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THE REBELLION OF 
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-^y 



The Rebellion of 
Mrs. Barclay 

A Comedy of Domestic Life 
In Two Acts 



By 
MAY E. COUNTRYMAN 

Author of ^^Miss Park'ington^^ etc. 



BOSTON 

WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 

1912 






The Rebellion of Mrs. Barclay 



CHARACTERS 

Morton Barclay. 

Roger Stuart, a neighbor. 

Dennis O'Hara. 

Ethel Barclay, Morton's wife. 

Ruth Carter, EtheTs sister. 

Mrs. Brown, Morton's sister. 

Cora, her daughter. 

Elsie Stuart, Roger's sister. 

Mary Ann O'Connor. 




Copyright, 191 2, by Walter H. Baker & Co. 



CLD 28753 



The Rebellion of Mrs. Barclay 



ACT I 

SCENE. — The dining-room at the Barclays', Tuesday morn- 
ing in summer. Doors r. and l. IVindoiv r. Dining- 
table with chairs c. S?nall serving-table L. Screen l. f. 
Shelf on wall at back of stage, on which are photographs^ 
etc. Rocking-chair r. 

Morton Barclay {entering y^.^. Eight o'clock, and break- 
fast not ready ! I should think, after all I've said to Ethel 
about it, I might occasionally have my meals on time. (^Calls.) 
Ethel! [Listens; no afisiaer.) Confound it, where is every- 
body? {Calls.) Mary Ann ! 

Ethel Barclay {entering l. , carrying coffee-pot and plate 
of rolls, which she puts on the table). Did you call, Morton ? 

Morton. Yes, I did. What's the matter with you ? Are 
you getting deaf? And I would like to know why 1 can't 
have my meals on lime once in a while. 

Ethel [taking her place at the table). Why, Morton, it's 
only eight o'clock. Here are your coffee and rolls, and Mary 
Ann will bring in the other things in a minute. 

{Pours coffee.) 

Morton {sitting do7vn at table and reaching for a roll). 
I thought I said I wanted my rolls warmed in the morning. 
This is as cold as a stone. 

Ethel. I did warm them, but it's hard to keep things warm 
on that new stove. Try this one, — this is better. 

{^Passes plate of rolls, then cup of coffee.) 

Morton. It's not much better. {Tastes coffee.) Great 
Scott ! {Makes up face.) 

Ethel. Why, Morton, what's the matter? I'm sure the 
coffee is warm enough. 



4 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

Morton. Warm enough ? Great Scott ! I don't want to 
be scalded. Pass the cream, will you? You didn't put in 
half enough. (Ethel passes crea7n pitcher and sugar bozvl ; 
he helps himself liberally ; tastes coffee. She sits watching 
him anxiously.) You'll have to speak to Mary Ann about her 
coffee, Ethel; this stuff isn't fit to drink. That girl will have 
to learn to make better coffee than this. It gets worse every 
morning. 

Ethel. But I made the coffee this time, Morton. 

Morton. You did, eh? Funny you can't make better 
stuff than this. What were you helping about the breakfast 
for, anyhow ? I thought you had a headache. 

Ethel. So I have, but that new stove you sent home 
bothered Mary Ann, and 1 was showing 

Morton. That girl is the stupidest creature I ever did see. 
It's perfectly easy to run those blue-flame stoves. I could do 
it myself without the least trouble. (^Loo^s around.) Where's 
my morning paper? 

Ethel. I don't think it's come yet. 

Morton. It's time it came. You know I always like my 
paper at breakfast time. 

Ethel. I'm sure I can't help it if it isn't here, Morton. 
Dennis always brings our mail in the morning, and 

Morton. And I suppose the lazy fellow hasn't come yet. 
Give me some more coffee, will you ? (Passes cup.) 

Ethel (filing it). I thought you didn't like it, Morton. 

Morton. Well, great Scott, I've got to have something to 
drink. Put cream enough in it this time, will you? No, I'll 
fix it myself, then I can get it right. I should think you might 
know how I like my coffee fixed by this time, but you don't 
seem to. (Puts cream and sugar ifi coffee. Mary Ann 
O'Connor enters l., carrying dish with steak and fried pota- 
toes which she puts on table in front of Morton. He looks 
at it frowning.) Is that steak fried ? I like it broiled. 

Ethel. Why, Morton, you can't broil steak on a blue-flame 
stove. I would have given you something else for breakfast, 
only you insisted you wanted steak. 

Morton. So I did, and I should think I might have steak 
if I want it. Mary Ann, hasn't the mail come yet? 

Mary. No, sor. 

Morton. That lazy Dennis is never on time ! 

Mary. If ye plaze, sor, it ain't Dinny's fault. The train's 
only just come in, sor, I heard it whistle. 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 5 

Morton. That train is always late. If they pretend to 
have a mail train in the morning, why on earth can't they have 
it on time? Bring the mail in here just as soon as it comes, 
Mary Ann, and don't stop to chatter half an hour with Dennis 
first. 

Marv. No, sor, — I mane yis sor. (Aside.) Shure, an' 
the masther's cross agin this marnin', I'm thinkin'. [Exit^ L. 

Morton (Jielpiug himself to steak and potatoes^. This 
steak isn't fried decently, — ^just look at the stuff ! And those 
potatoes are just soaked in fat. Really, Elhel, you'll have to 
speak to Mary Ann about her cooking. I would like something 
fit to eat once in a while. 

Ethel (reaching across table and taking a piece of potato'). 
Why, Morton, these aren't bad at all. 

Morton. They aren't fried the way I like them. I furnish 
the money to run this house, and I should think I might have 
my food cooked to suit me. Is this all the steak there is? 

Ethel. Yes; isn't there enough? 

Morton. Enough for me, but what about Ruth ? I should 
think, Elhel, you might furnish food enough to go around. 
I'm sure I give you enough money. 

Ethel. I bought the steak just for you, Morton. Ruth 
doesn't care for meat in the morning. 

Morton. Why couldn't you say so, then? Where is 
Ruth ? 

Ethel. She hasn't come down yet. You know she went 
to the dance last night with Roger, and I told her she needn't 
hurry this morning. 

Morton. Seems to me she and Roger Stuart are together 
a good deal. Not that I object at all. Roger will have money, 
and of course Ruth knows it will be a good thing for her if she 
can get him. And she's trying hard enough, — she's running 
over to the Stuarts half the time. I suppose that was why she 
was so anxious to visit you this summer. 

Ethel. Morton, how can you say such things ! Ruth isn't 
that kind at all. She and Elsie Stuart are great friends, and 
Ruth goes over there to see her. 

Morton. Oh, I don't deny it's nice for her to have Elsie 
for an excuse. 

Ethel. Morton, I wish you wouldn't say such things about 
my sister ! 

Morton. I'd like to know why I haven't a right to say 
what I please in my own house. You always -— 



6 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

Mary {entering l., with newspaper and letter^. If ye plaze, 
sor, Dinny's brought the mail. 

(Puis them on table by Ethel ; exit l.) 

Morton. What in thunder did she give the paper to you 

for? It's my paper, and I 

Ethel. I'm sure I don't want it. 

{Hands paper to him ; glances at letter.') 

Morton. Well, I didn't say you did, did I? Who's your 
letter from? Why don't you open it, instead of sitting there 
staring at the address? That's just like a woman, trying to 
find out from the outside of an envelope who it's from, instead 
of opening it and looking at the signature. Sometimes I 
wonder 

Ethel. If you'll give me a chance to speak, Morton, I'll 
tell you that the letter isn't mine at all, it's yours. 

{Gives it to him.) 

Morton. Oh, it's mine, is it? Why couldn't you say so 
before? That looks like Amelia's writing, — I wonder if it is 
from her ? I'm sure I don't see what she's writing to me for ; 
she doesn't very often write. 

Ethel. Why don't you open it and find out, instead of 
sitting there staring at the address? 

Morton. I intend to. Give me time, can't you? I do 
wish you wouldn't be so impatient, Ethel. When you have a 
letter I notice you are never in a hurry to tell me what it's 
about. I have the hardest work getting anything out of you, — 
you are so secretive ! 

{He opens the letter and reads. She starts to speak, then 
stops, looks at him impatiently, stirs her coffee and pre- 
tends to eat. Short pause, while he reads. Then he 
folds the letter and puts it back in the envelope.) 

Ethel. What does Amelia want ? 

Morton. Oh, she writes that she and Cora are coming 
here to day to make us a visit. {Takes up his paper.) 

Ethel {surprised). What? 

Morton. I said she and Cora are coming to make us a 
visit. Cora has been sick, you know, and Amelia has had to 
take care of her, and she writes that they both need a change, 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 7 

and as Cora likes the country they are coming here to make us 
a visit. They'll arrive some time to-day, so you had better 
tell Mary Ann to get the rooms ready this morning. 

Ethel. Oh, Morton ! To-day ? And Mary Ann has so 
much work planned for to-day ! Why couldn't Amelia have 
let us know sooner ? 

Morton. Perhaps she didn't think of it, or else she didn't 
think it was necessary. Amelia is careless about those things. 
It's a wonder she wrote at all. {Reads 'his paper. ^ 

Ethel. I wish she'd asked if it was convenient to have 
her. I'd so much rather put her off till next week. Mary 
Ann is so busy to-day, with the washing and all, and those 
rooms are not ready, there hasn't been a thing done to them 
for ages, and my head aches, and Amelia is hard company to 
have, anyway, and 

Morton (flowering his papery I don't see what you're 
making such a fuss about. I don't see why my sister and her 
daughter can't visit us just as well as your sister. 

Ethel. They can, of course, only 

Morton (impatie fitly). Well, only what ? 

Ethel. It isn't very convenient just now. Cora is awfully 
hard to get along with, she always makes me nervous, and just 
now after she has been sick she'll probably be worse than ever. 
Now, next week it would be 

Morton. It isn't next week she v/ants to come, it's now. 
Cora is easy enough to manage if you only use a little tact and 
judgment. I don't see why you never got on better with 
Amelia, anyhow. It's probably your fault. You ought to be 
just as courteous to my sister as you are to your own. You 
have Ruth staying here with us, 'and I don't object, and I 
can't see why I can't have my sister here without your making 
a fuss over it. I must say you are getting very unreasonable, 
Ethel. 

Ethel {taking out her handkerchief). I don't mean to be 
unreasonable, but it's such warm weather, and I got tired out 
with those friends of yours last week, and purposely planned it 
so there wouldn't be anybody here this week, and to-day my 
head aches, and I — I 

Morton (impatiently). For goodness' sakes, don't cry ! I 
never could see why a woman wants to cry her eyes out over 
every little thing. (Ruth Carter appears in doorway r.) 
And I must say I think you are making a good deal of fuss 
over nothing. I never could understand your attitude on that 



8 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

subject, anyhow. I have just as much right to have my rela- 
tions visit us as you have to invite yours, and if Amelia wants 
to come here and bring her daughter, she can come. You 
don't say anything against having Ruth spend the summer 
here, I notice. 

Ethel. You know it's different, having my own sister, 
from 

Morton. I don't see why it should be. Now, I al- 
ways 

Ruth {coming forward). Please don't quarrel over me, 
whatever you do ! Do you need my room for somebody else? 
I can leave here, Morton, if you want your sister in my place. 

Morton (^pleasantly). Of course not, Ruth ! There is 
always a place for you here, and there are rooms enough so 
Ameha's coming won't interfere with you. Call Mary Ann, 
Ethel ; Ruth will want some fresh coffee. 

Ruth {siiiing at table). No, this coffee will be all right. 
I never eat much breakfast, anyway. (Ethel pours coffee 
and gives cup to Ruth. She helps herself to a roll. Morton 
reads his paper. Ethel leans her head on her hand and 
sighs.) What's the matter, Ethel? Head ache again? 

Ethel. Yes, — it aches so much lately. 

Ruth. It's too bad. I'm afraid you got over tired last 
week. To-day you must take things easy and get rested. 

Ethel. But I can't. Morton's sister Amelia is coming 
and her little girl, and their rooms must be put in order, and 
Mary Ann has a lot of work planned for to-day; it rained 
yesterday morning so she couldn't wash, you know, and 

Ruth. Postpone the washing till to-morrow. 

Ethel. Oh, I can't. The clothes are soaking now. 

Ruth. Well, I'll help you with the room. What time will 
they arrive ? 

Ethel. I don't know, — they may come on the early train, 
for all I know. 

Ruth. The mail train ? That's come, hasn't it ? 

Ethel. Not that one, the train from the other direction. 
It's due about nine o'clock, I think. I hope they won't come 
till afternoon, for that would give me time to put things in 
order. 

Morton {throwing down fieivspaper). Well, of all the 
senseless articles I ever read, that is the worst ! That paper 
certainly needs a new editor. 

Ethel. What's the matter, Morton ? 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 9 

Morton. Nothing you know anything about. Women 
never take any interest in pubHc affairs. 

Ruth. I beg your pardon, Morton, but that old theory 
that women never read the newspapers is exploded nowadays. 

Morton. Ethel never does. 

Ethel. Why, Morton, I 

Morton. I wish you wouldn't contradict everything I say 
this morning, Ethel. I don't mean to deny that very occasion- 
ally, say once in six months or so, you may be seen with a 
newspaper in your hand, but that doesn't alter the fact that 
you care very little about it generally. Women are not public 
spirited. They prefer a local paper, which tells how Johnny 
Jones has just cut a tooth, or Sammy Simpkins has refused 
to buy his wife a new hat, or Betsy Bobbins went to the city 
yesterday and bought a new dress and got it at a bargain. 

Ruth. Now, Morton, that's too bad of you ! You know 
very well that in this day and generation women are 

Ethel (risuig). You two can sit here and argue if you 
like, but I must get to work. 

Ruth (rising). And so must I. What's the news this 
morning, anyhow, Morton? 

Morton. Nothing of any consequence. That paper never 
has the latest news. I'm thinking of stopping my subscription 
and trying something else. 

Ethel {cleari7ig the table). Are you through with your cup 
and saucer, Morton ? 

Morton. No, I'm not. What do you want to be in such 
a hurry for? Can't you let me finish my breakfast in peace? 
Here, I want another cup of coffee. 

Ethel {pouring it). I thought you didn't like my coffee 
this morning. 

Morton. Well, great Scott, a fellow's got to have some- 
thing to drink. (Tastes it.) This stuff is as cold as a stone ! 
How do you think I'm going to drink this ? 

Ruth. Coffee won't keep hot forever, you know. 

Ethel. Shall I take it out in the kitchen and warm it for 
you ? 

Morton. Heavens, no ! I never touch warmed over 
coffee. I hope that to-morrow morning, Ethel, you'll see 
that I have a decent breakfast. (Rises.) Evidently Amelia 
isn't coming this morning, so you'll have time enough to get 
your work done. 

Ethel. I thought the train was due at nine o'clock. 



10 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

Morton. Amelia comes from the other direction. She 
would either come on the mail train or not until noon. Did 
you think her letter would come from one direction, and she 
herself from another ? You are bright ! 

Ethel. Well, I didn't know 

Morton. No, of course not. You never do. Well, I'll 
see if I can find Dennis. I want him to do some work for me 
this morning. {^Exit, l. 

Ethel {aside). Oh, dear, I do wish Morion wouldn't be so 
cross. 

Ruth (aside). Pleasant for Ethel, I must say, if Morton is 
as agreeable as this every morning ! 

( They clear table , pile dishes on tray ivhich Ethel takes 
from small side table. Ruth takes off white clothy puts 
071 red spread.) 

Ethel. Dear me, I mustn't forget to have Mary Ann fix 
that place in the wall paper. Amelia notices everything, and 
she doesn't hesitate to tell me about it, either. 

Ruth. What wall paper ? 

Ethel. Over there back of that screen. I noticed it was 
getting loose, — this room needs repapering, anyway, — and 
when those friends of Morton's were here last week Jean's 
baby got hold of a piece that was loose and tore it. I meant 
to have it fixed before this, but Mary Ann was busy, and some- 
how I didn't have time, so I just set that screen in front of the 
place to hide it. But Amelia will find it if it isn't fixed, — 
trust her for that ! 

Ruth. I'm afraid you are not dead in love with your sister- 
in-law, Ethel. 

Ethel. Well, you have no idea how exasperating Amelia 
can be. She's ten years older than Morton, you know, and of 
course she has been married a good deal longer than we have, 
and she thinks she has a right to say anything she likes to me. 
You weren't here when she visited us last summer, were you? 

Ruth. No, — I have never met her. 

Ethel. I thought not. Well, you see if you don't share 
my opinion by the time she goes home. And as for Cora ! 

Elsie Stuart {appearing in doorway l.). May I come 
right in? Mary Ann said you were in here, Ruth. Good- 
morning, Mrs. Barclay. 

Ethel. Good-morning. Yes, come right in. 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY H 

Ruth. How are you this morning, Elsie, after the dance 
last night? 

Elsie. Well, I was decidedly sleepy when that brother of 
mine called me this morning, but I'm all right now. 

Ethel. Sit down. Miss Stuart. There's a rocking-chair. 

Elsie. No, thanks, I can't stay. Roger and Sidney are 
tinkering over the auto, and while they are working I said I'd 
run over and see if you wouldn't like to go for a ride with us 
this morning, Ruth. The boys said they would have the auto 
ready in a few minutes, and it's a glorious morning for a ride. 

Ruth. I'd love to, Elsie, but I don't see how I can this 
morning. My sister has just had word that company is coming 
to-day, quite unexpectedly, and as we haven't got straightened 
out yet after last week's party, there is a great deal to do, and 
I have agreed to take hold and help. 

Ethel. Perhaps I can get along, Ruth, if you 

Ruth. No, Ethel dear, ''I'll never desert Mr. Micawber." 
Thank you just as much, Elsie, and I know I'd enjoy it, but I 
really can't leave this morning. Ethel has a headache, too, 
and that makes it so much the harder. 

Elsie. I thought you looked as if you didn't feel well, Mrs. 
Barclay. I'm afraid you got tired out last week. 

Ethel. I did have a great deal to do. I certainly didn't 
want company again so soon. 

Elsie. Can't you send them word not to come? 

Ethel. There isn't time now, and Morton wouldn't like it, 
anyhow. It's his sister, Mrs. Brown, who is coming, and her 
daughter Cora. 

Elsie. It's too bad to have them come when you feel so 
used up. I tell you what, Mrs. Barclay, run away for a few 
days. Leave Ruth and Mary Ann to look after the company, 
and you come over to our house and get rested. You can have 
that north veranda upstairs all to yourself, — sleep out there if 
you like,— and nobody will disturb you. That's what mamma 
does when she gets tired out, and she says that a few days' en- 
tire rest and freedom from care works wonders. Do come and 
try it. 

Ethel. Oh, I couldn't ! 

Elsie. Why not ? It would be proper enough, seeing it's all 
in the family, — you said it was Mr. Barclay's sister, didn't you? 
And you really do look tired out. Ruth can look after things 
here. 

Ruth. Why don't you, Ethel? 



12 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY^ 

Ethel. Oh, I couldn't ! Morton wouldn't like it. 

Elsie (jnoving toward window). We'd like to have you, 
and it wouldn't make us a bit of trouble, really. (^Looks out) 
I thought 1 heard a team stop here. Is that your company, 
come so soon ? 

Ethel. Why it can't be, so soon. {Looks out.) But it 
looks like — it really is Amelia, as sure as you live, PvUth ! Oh, 
dear ! And not a thing done, not even the breakfast dishes 
washed ! 

Elsie. I'll run home, for you won't want to be bothered 
with me now. Remember, Mrs. Barclay, if you want to use 
our veranda for a rest cure, you can come, and welcome. 

\^Ex:i, L. 

Ethel (^looking out of the wtjidow). Thank you. Miss 
Stuart, you are very kind. Ruth, she's brought a trunk, and 
two suit-cases, and a big hat box, — yes, and a bag. Do you 
suppose they are going to stay all summer ? 

Ruth. I hope not, for your sake. 

Ethel. Please go and see if you can find Dennis, Ruth ; 
he'll have to carry that baggage up-stairs. And the rooms 
aren't ready, — oh, dear ! 

Ruth {turning toward door l.). Never mind ; we'll soon 
have them ready. 

Ethel. No, there's Dennis, now ; you won't have to call 
him. I must go out and meet them, I suppose. \_Exit, r. 

Ruth {looking out window). Poor Ethel, Pm afraid she 
isn't looking forward to enjoying the visit from her sister-in-law. 
I'll do what I can to help her, anyway. But I know one thing, 
— if I had Morton Barclay for a husband I should tell him a 
few things once in a while. 

Mary {looking in l.). If ye plaze. Miss Ruth, I want to 
spake to Miss Ethel, — isn't she here? 

Ruth. She just went out the front door, Mary Ann. Mrs. 
Brown and Miss Cora have just come. 

Mary. Ye mane Mislher Barclay's sister and her girrul ? 
Will they be afther sthayin' long, Miss Ruti^ ? 

Ruth. It looks so, judging from the baggage they have 
brought. 

Mary. The saints presarve us ! {Vanishes.) 

Ruth. Mrs. Brown and her daughter seem to have quite a 
reputation here. I am really getting anxious to meet them. 

Ethel {entering r.). Come this way, Amelia, while Den- 
nis is carrying your baggage up-stairs. 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 1 3 

Mrs, Brown {entering r., followed by Cora). I hope, 
Ethel, you have given us those same two north rooms that we 
had last summer. They are much cooler and more comforta- 
ble than any with a southern exposure. 

Ethel. Yes, you can have those same rooms. Amelia, this 
is my sister, Miss Carter. Ruth, this is Mrs. Brown, and Miss 
Cora. 

Mrs. B. {indifferently). Pleased to meet you, I'm sure. 
(Looks around, selects the most comfortable chair, and sits 
do7vn. Takes off her gloves.) I'm sure I'm glad we are here 
at last. It is so uncomfortable travehng in warm weather. 

Ethel. Yes, I know it is. {Turns toward door r.") I 
suppose I ought to go up-stairs 

Ruth. I'll go up with Dennis, Ethel, and see that he gets 
the right rooms. \_Exit, r. 

Ethel. Thank you, Ruth. {Sits dowfi.) Don't you want 
to sit down, Cora? 

Cora {wandering aroufid the room looking at everything). 
Pretty soon. I want to see what new things you've got. Say, 
Aunt Ethel, does she live with you ? 

Ethel. My sister ? No, she is visiting us. 

Mrs. B. Dear me, Ethel, I hope you haven't a houseful of 
company. Cora has been sick, you know, and is still very 
delicate, and needs a rest, and I'm sure I do, too. My nerves 
are nearly shattered with all I have had to go through. I came 
here because I want a quiet place to rest, and I wrote to Morton 
about it purposely so you wouldn't invite any one else here. 

Ethel. There is no one staying here now except my sister. 

Mrs. B. And will she be here long ? 

Ethel {decidedly). All summer, I hope. 

Mrs. B. Indeed ! Well, probably she won't disturb us 
very much, and she may be useful in amusing Cora at times. 
I told my husband I wanted a place to go where I could just 
be quiet, and not have any work to do. I'm sure I have 
enough to do at home, and you always keep a maid, so I knew 
I shouldn't be expected to help with the work here. 

Cora. Say, mamma, they haven't washed their breakfast 
dishes yet. Here they are on this tray over here, and they're 
every one dirty, I guess your maid's getting lazy. Aunt Ethel. 

Mrs. B. Why, Ethel, I always insist on having the break- 
fast dishes washed immediately and put away carefully. It 
looks so untidy if any one hap|>ens to come in. 

Ethel. We are late this morning, but Mary Ann 



14 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

Cora. Oh, have you still got that funny Irish girl you had 
last summer ? 

Ethel. Yes, I 

Mrs. B. Why, Ethel, I thought you had decided not to 
keep Mary Ann any longer. She was very impertinent to me 
last summer, and I never allow anything of that sort in any of 
my servants. Didn't )^ou like that girl 1 recommended to you ? 

Ethel. I didn't try her. I preferred to keep Mary Ann. 

Mrs. B. Now, Ethel, if you once allow a girl of that sort 
to be impertinent, there is no telling to what lengths she may 
go. The girl I suggested is always very respectful, is a good 
cook, and I'm sure you would have liked her. 

Ethel. I have never had any trouble with Mary Ann. 
Mother took her w^hen she was a little girl, so she has always 
been in the family, and when — when our home was broiccn up 
Mary Ann came here to live with me. She is quick-tempered, 
but she's warm-hearted, and is good help, and 1 wouldn't give 
her up for anything. 

Mrs. B. You always were obstinate, Ethel. And I never 
did approve of the way you manage Mary Ann, — or rather 
don't manage her. Now, I always maintain perfect order and 
discipline with my maids. 

Ethel. How many maids have you ? 

Mrs. B. Why, just at present I Iiave been doing my own 
work, but I expect to get another girl as soon as I go home. 

Ethel. How long did you keep the last one? 

Mrs. B. Three weeks. You see, I always insist that 

Ethel. And the one before that ? 

Mrs. B. She only stayed a week and two days, but really, 
Ethel, I fail to see why you should catechise me in this way. 

Cora (^peeping back of screeii). Say, mamma, here's a big 
piece of the wall paper torn off. I don't think that looks very 
nice. Say, Aunt Ethel, did you put this screen up in front so's 
to hide it? 

Ethel. That was done only last week. I intend to have 
it fixed to-day. 

Mrs. B. Last week? Why, Elhel, that should have been 
attended to immediately. I never let such little things as that 
remain undone. It looks so untidy if any one happens to come 
in, and shows that you are a slack housekeeper. 

Ruth {entering r.). Dennis has carried up your trunk and 
the suit-cases. Do you care to come upstairs now, Mrs. 
Brown ? 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY J5 

Mrs. B. Yes, I ihiuk we will. Come, Cora, you can look 
at Aunt Ethel's pictures later, 

Cora {^fini^ering photographs on shelf). Say, Aunt Ethel, 
have you got a camera, and did you take these pictures ? I 
don't think they are very good. You let me take your camera, 
and I'll show you how to do it. 

Mrs. B. Yes, Cora is very successful with her little camera. 
Doubtless she can give you some points, Ethel. And nov/ 
about unpacking, — will you send your maid up to help us? 

Ethel {Jiesitating). Why, — I'm sorry not to oblige you, 
Ainelia, but Mary Ann is so busy this morning. Perhaps I 

Ruth. I will help you if you care to have me, Mrs. Brown. 

Mrs. B. Very well, I need some assistance. Come, Cora. 

\_Exeiuit Mrs. B. ajid Cora, r. 

Ethel. Ruth, don't begin waiting on her. If you do, you'll 
soon have enough of it. She isn't your husband's sister. 

Ruth. No. If she was, I wouldn't marry him ! 

[Exit, R. 

Ethel {sitting doivn ; sighifzg). Dear me, I wonder how 
long they expect to stay ? I suppose Morton will insist on 
keeping them as long as possible, and I don't see how I can 
object. This is his house, and she is his sister, and as long as 
I have my sister here I can't say anything against having his. 
But, dear me, I can't sit still in here when there is so much to 
do this morning. [Exit, i\. 

Mary {looking in cautiously l., the7i entering). Sure, the 
coast is clear now, and I can come in afiher me breakfast 
dishes. It's mesilf that wishes coompany would kape away 
from here this arly in the marning, and me wid the washin' not 
out yit, and all on account of that new stove that's no good at 
all at all, sorra the day the masther brought it into the house. 

{Picks L'p tray of dirty dishes.) 

Dennis O'Haua {entering r.). What are yez afther 
a-scoldin' aboot now, Mary Ann? 

Mary {turning, resting tray on table). An' where did yez 
coom from, Dinnis O'Hara? 

Dennis. From up-stairs, to be shure. Haven't I jist car- 
ried up a trunk, an' two suit-cases, an' a bag? Shure an' me 
shoulder is lame, they was that heavy. {Rubs shoulder.) It 
luks as if they was afther sthayin' a while, Mary Ann. An' a 
big hat box there was, too, so big I could hardly git it through 



l6 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

the door, — shure, an' the size o' that hat must be somethin* 
tremenjous, bigger than your own, Mary Ann ! 

Mary. Don't yez be afther a-worryin' aboot me hat, Din- 
nis O'Hara ! I'm payin' me own bills yit a while ! 

(^Tosses her head ; picks up fray.") 

Dennis. Don't be afther a-gittin' mad, me dear, an' wait a 
minute till I till yez somethin'. 

Mary {setting down tray). Hurry up, thin. My, but 
ye' re slow, Dinny ! 

Dennis. Faix, an' can't yez spare a minute or two for me 
once in a while, Mary Ann ? An' me wid some foine news to 
till yez, too ! 

Mary. Beafther a-tellin' it, thin. Thisis washday marnin', 
an' me wid a hape av woiruk to git through. 

Dennis. Niver moind yer worruk. Misther Reed is 
a-goin' to lave town, an' sill out his business, an* what do yez 
say, Mary Ann, to me a-takin' that money I've been a-savin* 
so careful, an' go into business, — wid yez for a partner, Mary 
Ann ? 

Mary. Why, Dinny ! But — but shure an' I haven't any 
money to put into business. 

Dennis. Faix, an' I don't want any money from yez, Mary 
Ann ! I want — yersilf ! {Arm around her.) 

Mary {draiving atvay). Now take yer arm away, Dinnis 
O'Hara ! Shure, an' what do yez think a girrul loike me knows 
aboot the tinware business? 

Dennis. All that's necessary. An* there's the swatest little 
house near the shop, Mary Ann, jist big enough for us, an' I 
know yez would make the swatest little hoosekaper that iver 
was, — now will yez, Mary Ann? {Aryn aroimd her.) 

Mary. Wasn't 1 afther a-tillin' yez to kape yer arm away, 
Dinnis O'Hara? An' what am I a-thinkin' av, sthandin' here 
a-talkin' to yez, an' me wid sich a hape of worruk to do ! 
{Picks up tray.) Coom, git me a pail of wather, Dinny, that's 
a good b'y ! {Goes toward door l.) 

Dennis {following her). Jist think how nice it would be, 
Mary Ann, if 'twas our own well I could be drawin' the wather 
from, an* our own dishes yez was washin', Mary Ann ! 

Mary. Shure an' I'll think aboot it some toime whin I'm 
not so busy. Come along now, Dinny, I want a pail of 
wather, an' Misther Barclay will be afther a-callin' yez to do 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY IJ 

some vvorruk for him before yez git it for me, if yez don't 
hurry. [^Exeunt both^ l. 

Ethel (entering r. ; has dust clotJi). It's a wonder Amelia 
didn't tell me I hadn't dusted in here this morning. (^Dusts.) 
1 suppose I am late this morning, but dear me, I couUhi't help 
it. That new stove bothered Mary Ann, and I had to show 
her about it, and my head aches so I don't feel like doing any- 
thing. [Puts her hand to her head ; sighs.) Mary Ann is late 
with her work, too. The washing ought to. be out by this time, 
but she couldn't get the water heated, — I don't see what did 
make Morton insist on using that blue flame stove instead of 
making a fire as Mary Ann always does early in the morning 
when she is going to wash. 1 nmst say Morton likes his own 
way. Oh, I must not forget to have that wall paper mended. 

Cora (entering r.). You dusting, x\unt Ethel? I should 
think you would make Mary Ann do it. 

Ethel. Mary Ann can't do everything. 

Cora. Why can't she? Mamma says that's what she 
keeps a girl for, to do the work, but she says you don't know 
how to manage a girl, anyhow. It looks as if you hadn't swept 
in here. Mamma always has her girl sweep a room before slie 
dusts it. 

Ethel. I haven't time to give this room a thorough sweep- 
ing this morning. 

Cora. Mamma says a housekeeper can always find time to 
do the things that are necessary; but then, she says you never 
did know how to keep house, anyhow. Why don't you learn? 
I know mamma would like to teach you. 

Ethel. I don't doubt it ! 

Cora. Say, Aunt Ethel, have you got lots of apples on 
your trees this year? And can't we have a one crust apple pie 
with whipped cream for dinner? I remember Mary Ann made 
awfully good pies last summer, and I love whipped cream. 

Ethel. I'll make a pudding for dinner very soon. Mary 
Ann isn't going to make any pies this morning. 

Cora. Oh, but she will if you tell her to, and I don't want 
any pudding for dinner ; I had some yesterday, and it wasn't 
very good, if mamma did make it herself. I've been sick, you 
know, and I'm not very well now, and mamma lets me have 
anything I want to eat. I'm going out to tell Mary Ann to 
make a pie, a nice, big one, and I'm going to help her whip 
the cream. [£xit, l. 

Ethel (calling). Cora! Come back here ! {^No answer.) 



14 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

Cora. Oh, have you still got that funny Irish girl you had 
last summer ? 

Ethel. Yes, I 

Mrs. B. Why, Ethel, I thought you had decided not to 
keep Mary Ann any longer. She was very impertinent to me 
last summer, and I never allow anything of that sort in any of 
my servants. Didn't you like that girl 1 recommended to you ? 

Ethel. I didn't try her. I preferred to keep Mary Ann. 

Mrs. B. Now, Ethel, if you once allow a girl of that sort 
to be impertinent, there is no telling to what lengths she may 
go. The girl I suggested is always very respectful, is a good 
cook, and I'm sure you would have liked her. 

Ethel. I have never had any trouble with Mary Ann. 
Mother took her when she was a little girl, so she has always 
been in the family, and when — when our home was broken up 
Mary Ann came here to live with me. She is quick-tempered, 
but she's warm-hearted, and is good help, and 1 wouldn't give 
her up for anything. 

Mrs. B. You always were obstinate, Ethel. And I never 
did approve of the way you manage Mary Ann, — or rather 
don't manage her. Now, I always maintain perfect order and 
discipline with my maids, 

Ethel. How many maids have you ? 

Mrs. B. Why, just at present I have been doing my own 
work, but I expect to get another girl as soon as I go home. 

Ethel. How long did you keep the last one ? 

Mrs. B. Three weeks. You see, I always insist that 

Ethel. And the one before that ? 

Mrs. B. She only stayed a week and two days, but really, 
Ethel, I fail to see why you should catechise me in this way. 

Cora (^peeping back of screen~). Say, mamma, here's a big 
piece of the wall paper torn off. I don't think that looks very 
nice. Say, Aunt Ethel, did you put this screen up in front so's 
to hide it? 

Ethel. That was done only last week. I intend to have 
it fixed to-day. 

Mrs. B. Last week? Why, Elhel, that should have been 
attended to immediately. I never let such little things as that 
remain undone. It looks so untidy if any one happens to come 
in, and shows that you are a slack housekeeper. 

Ruth {entering r.). Dennis has carried up your trunk and 
the suit-cases. Do you care to come upstairs now, Mrs. 
Brown ? 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 15 

Mrs. B. Yds, I ihiuk we will. Come, Cora, you can look 
at Aunt Ethel's pictures later. 

Cora {^fiiv^ering photographs on shelf). Say, Aunt Ethel, 
have you got a camera, and did you take these pictures ? I 
don't think they are very good. You let me take your camera, 
and I'll show you how to do it. 

Mrs, B. Yes, Cora is very successful with her little camera. 
Doubtless she can give you some points, Ethel. And iiovv 
about unpacking, — will you send your maid up to help us? 

Ethel {Jiesitating). Why, — I'm sorry not to oblige you, 
Amelia, but Mary Ann is so busy this morning. Perhaps I 

Ruth. I will help you if you care to have me, Mrs. Brown. 
• Mrs. B. Very well, I need some assistance. Come, Cora. 

\_Exeiint Mrs. B. and Cora, r. 

Ethel. Ruth, don't begin waiting on her. If you do, you'll 
soon have enough of it. She isn't your husband's sister. 

Ruth. No. If she was, I wouldn't marry him ! 

\_Exit, R. 

Ethel {sitting dozvn ; sighing'). Dear me, I wonder how 
long they expect to stay ? I suppose Morton will insist on 
keeping them a5 long as possible, and I don't see how I can 
object. This is his house, and she is his sister, and as long as 
I have my sister here I can't say anything against having his. 
But, dear me, I can't sit still in here when there is so much to 
do this morning. \_Exit, i\. 

Mary (looking in cautiously l., then entering). Sure, the 
coast is clear now, and I can come in afiher me breakfast 
dishes. It's mesilf that wishes coompany would kape away 
from here this arly in the marning, and me wid the washin' not 
out yit, and all on account of that new stove that's no good at 
all at all, sorra the day the masther brought it into the house. 

{^Picks vp tray of dirty dishes.) 

Dennis O'Haua (^entering R.). What are yez afther 
a-scoldin* aboot now, Mary Ann ? 

Mary {turning, resting tray on table). An' where did yez 
coom from, Dinnis O'Hara? 

DeuNNIS. From up-stairs, to be shure. Haven't I jist car- 
ried up a trunk, an' two suit-cases, an' a bag? Shure an' me 
shoulder is lame, they was that heavy. {Rubs shoulder.) It 
luks as if they was afther sthayin' a while, Mary Ann. An' a 
big hat box there was, too, so big I could hardly git it through 



20 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

afther a-makin', an' she dropped one av ye bist chiny plates, 
Miss Elhel, an' broke it all to smash, an' she got to fussing 
with the new stove and pretty near set liersilf on fne an' me 
too, an' now there's a big hole burnt in ye bist white apron 
that she would insist on wearin', an' she 

Mrs. B. Mary Ann, that will do ! Elhel, do you allow 
your servants to find fault with your guests in that way? 

Ethel. Why, Amelia, you can't blame Mary Ann for 
being disturbed if 

Cora {wipUig her eyes with her handkerchief). She shook 
me, mamma, and she called me a nuisance, — that old Irish 
girl ! I hate her, I do, — (siajnping her foot) and 1 won't slay 
in the house if she treats me that way ! {Bursts out crying.) 

Mrs. B. There, there, pet, don't cry. Of course Aunt 
Etiiel won't keep a servant who is so — so — impudent ! The 
idea of her daring to touch you ! 

Ethel. Mary Ann 

Mary. Me kitchen is where I do me worruk, an' it's not 
Mary Ann O'Connor that will stay in a house where she's to 
be bothered to death in her own kitchen by a mischievous kid ! 

Mrs. B. Mary Ann, how dare you call my daughter such 
a name ! 

Ethel. Go back in the kitchen, Mary Ann, and finish 
your work. 

Mary. Sure an* I'll do me worruk as long as that child is 
kipt out av me way. \_Exit, L. 

Mrs. B. This is outrageous ! Ethel, I trust you have sense 
enough to discharge that — that impertinent creature this very 
morning ! A maid of mine would not remain in the house five 
minutes after such a disgraceful scene ! 

Ethel. I'm sure I'm sorry it has happened, Amelia. 

Mrs. B. And Cora with her nerves in such a delicate 
stale. I watch her very carefully at home to see that nothing 
frets her, and now see ! The dear child is all upset ! Don't 
cry so, darling I 

Cora {sitting in rocking-chair, crying). Se-send that hor- 
hor-horrid girl away, mamma ! 

Mrs. B. Of course we will, pet. Ethel 

Ethel. Do you really expect me to discharge Mary Ann, 
Amelia? 

Mrs. B. Certainly I do ! 

Ethel. Then you are mistaken. I am sorry she has 
offended you, but I don't see any reason why I should dis- 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 21 

charge her. Doubtless she will apologize, if you require it, 
after she has had time to cool off a bit. Mary Ann is quick 
tempered, but she is a good girl, and she is very busy this 
morning, and doubtless Cora was very trying. 

Mrs. B. .ALnd you actually mean to uphold her in such 
conduct? You will keep a maid who insults your sister-in-law 
and your niece ? 

Ethel. Why, really, Amelia, I can't see 

Mrs. B. Very well, we'll see what my brother has to say 
to this. Come, Cora, we'll find Uncle Morton, and see if he 
at least has courtesy enough to protect us from insult ! 

\^Exeunt both, L. 

Ethel (sinking down in chair^. Dear me, what a tempest 
over nothing ! How can Amelia be so foolish and unreason- 
able ! I shouldn't think she could ever keep a servant half an 
hour, if this is the way she acts. But I'm afraid Morton won't 
like it, — there's no telling how Amelia will present the story. 
Oh, dear, I wish she had stayed at home, where she belongs. 

Ruth {entering l. ; has put on big apron, and has a dish 
toivel and a plate in her hand). Seems to me things are grow- 
ing exciting, sister. Mrs. Brown just went through the kitchen 
looking like a thunder-cloud, with Cora tagging after her weep- 
ing. Mary Ann is muttering, and declares she won't stay if 
those people do. 

Ethel (sighing'). They've gone to find Morton. I'm sure 
I don't know what he will say. 

Ruth, /don't blame Mary Ann. Poor girl, Cora certainly 
was bothering the life out of her. I should forbid Cora's going 
into the kitchen, if I were you. 

Ethel. But Amelia always goes right to Morton with 
everything, and he always takes her side. Oh, I tell you, 
Ruth, I've had some experience with my sister-in-law before. 
But wjiat Morton will say this time 

Ruth. Don't wait till she gets hold of him and makes him 
believe a whole lot of stuff that isn't true. You see him first, 
and tell him your side of the story. I'll be a witness, if you 
require one, — I was in the kitchen and sav*^ it all. 

Ethel (rising). I'll see if I can find him. All this fuss 
isn't making your vacation very pleasant, is it, Ruth? 

Ruth. Never mind about me. (5".^// Ethel, l.) Poor 
Ethel, she is having a hard time this morning. I know one 
thing, I'm glad I didn't marry into the Barclay family. Roger's 
people are all nice, and his sister isn't a bit like Amelia, — in 



22 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

fact, I like all the Stuarts. But Morton seemed nice before 
Ethel was married, and I used to like him well enough. I 
wonder if all men change like that after they are married ? It's 
enough to make a girl think twice before she decides to marry, 
— and I must give Roger his answer to-day. I thought I knew 
what I should say, but {^Hesitates,') 

Mary {ente?'ing l. ; has sjnall pan of paste y a brushy and a 
piece of cloth). If it's yersilf that be afther a-finishin' the 
dishes, Miss Ruth, I'll jist take a second now and fix that wall 
paper. Where is the place ? 

Ruth. Back of that screen, Mary Ann. Yes, I'll finish the 
dishes, and I'll make a pie for dinner, too. Try not to mind 
Mrs. Brown and Cora more than you can help, won't you, for 
it worries Mrs. Barclay, and I'll help you all I can while they 
are here. 

Mary. It's yersilf that's a comfort to have around. Miss 
Ruth, being as yez are not loike those craythures at all at all. 
i^Exit Ruth, l.) Sure an' it's sorry I am for Miss Ethel if 
those people will be sthayin' here long. But there's wan thing 
to which I've made up me moind, — that Miss Cora will jist be 
a-kapin' hersilf out av me kitchen, that she will ! It's not Mary 
Ann O'Connor that will be afther being bothered with the loikes 
av that child. I'd rather take up Dinny's offer, an* go to 
washin' dishes in a kitchen av me own, that I would, an' me 
a-tillin' Dinny only last week that I niver could make up me 
moind to be a-lavin' Miss Ethel. But faix, I must git to 
worruk, an' not stand here a-gossipin' with mesilf loike this ! 

(Mary goes back of the screen^ gets down on her knees with 
a grunt, and proceeds to paste the wail paper in place. 
Short pause, then Morton enters i.., followed by Ethel. 
He looks angry ; she has handkerchief to her eyes.^ 

Morton (turning toward Ethel). Yes, cry, do ! That's 
just like a woman ! Let a man say a word, and she imme- 
diately turns on the full force of her tears ! I do wish I could 
talk to you once in a while and have you show a little common 
sense. 

(Mary looks around the corner of the screen and stares at 
them. Draws back as Ethel takes down her handker- 
chief and speaks.') 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 23 

Ethel. I don't think it is /who is showing a lack of com- 
mon sense this time. (^Si/s {/own.') 

Morton. I'm sure I'm not. I merely insist that you treat 
my sister with a little courtesy while she is here as my guest. 

Ruth {appearing in doorway l.). Morton, if you 

Morton {Jias back to door, does not hear her), I should 
think you might have more consideration for your husband 
than to treat his sister in this way ! It isn't pleasant for Amelia 
to be all the time running to me with complaints, but what is 
she to do ? I'm sure no one with any sense can blame her ! 

Ethel. But, Morton, Mary Ann says that Cora 

Morton. You believe everything that Irish girl says, do 
you ? I suppose you'll take her word before you will that of my 
sister ! 

Mary {aside). If yez dare till me that I lie ! 

{Shakes fist at his back.) 

Morton. I always have thought that you give that girl too 
much consideration. Amelia says, and I think she is right, 
that a servant ought to be kept in her place. You ought to pay 
more attention to Amelia's advice. She has been married much 
longer than you have, and 

Ethel. Amelia doesn't know everything, for all that ! 

Morton. Amelia doesn't claim to know everything, but she 
does know more about some things than you do, and she means 
to help you in what she says. And I must insist that you treat 
ray sister with courtesy so long as she is a guest in my house ! 
And about Cora 

Ethel. You haven't any idea how trying Cora is. She 
always -— — 

Morton. She is a child that is v'ery easily managed if you 
only use a little tact and judgment. Amelia says so herself, 
and she ought to know. I can't understand why it is, Ethel, 
that you are always so inconsiderate and tactless and— yes, and 
cross, as soon as any of my relations get into this house. I'm 
sure you are always as sweet as honey to yovr sister, but when 
my sister comes 



Ethel. Morton, if you 



Morton. I can't see why my relatives are not worthy of a 
little consideration, and I wish you to try to look out for 
Amelia's comfort so long as she stays here. Why don't you 
try that girl she recommended to you ? If you discharge Mary 
Ann 



24 THE R£B£LL10N OF MRS. BARCLAY 

Mary {bdundscrecti). Discharge me, will yez ? I wouldn't 
stliay a day longer if it wasn't for the misthress, bliss her swate 
face ! 

Ethel {decidedly). I shall not discharge Mary Ann, 
Morion ! Mother took her when she was a little girl and 
trained her, and 

Morton. I must say I don't think much of your mother's 
training, then ! 

Ethel. Morton, if you dare say that my mother 

Morton. Oh, yes, get angry, do ! You say what you 
please about my relations, and expect me to take it patiently, 
but the minute 1 say a word against j<7Z/rj-, you don't like it ! 
You are the most unreasonable person I ever saw in my life ! 
I don't wonder Amelia finds it hard to get along v^^ith you. I 
shouldn't think she would ever come here to visit ! 

Ethel (/;; a low tone). I'm sure I wish she wouldn't ! 

Morton {sharply). What did you say? {She does not 
answer, but looks down sullenly.) You needn't try to put the 
blame on Amelia. I always found her very pleasant and con- 
siderate, and you would find her the same, if you would only 
show a little consideration yourself. I'm sure 1 ought to know 
my own sister! And I insist — do you understand, Ethel? — I 
insist — that so long as my sister is a guest in my house you 
must treat her with as much respect and courtesy as you give to 
your own sister. I trust that 1 make myself clear, and I trust 
that after this you will give Amelia no excuse to complain to me 
again. {Pause. She does not speak.) Do you understand ? 

Ethei- {coldly). I understand. 

Morton {after a short pause). Have you anything more 
to say? 

Ethel. I have nothing more to say. {Does not look up.) 

Morton. I am glad if you realize that you are in the 
wrong. It is about time you showed a little common sense. 
And I hope it will not be necessary for me to speak to you on 
this subject again 1 

{lie turns toward door r., hesitates, and looks back.- She 
does not stir. Exit Morton, r. Ethel looks up and 
sees that he is gone, puts head down on table a fid begins to 
cry. Ruth comes forivard ajid stands in front of her. 
'^Iaky peeps out around the screen.) 

Ruth. Ethel Barclay, are you going to simply sit here and 
cry ? 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 2$ 

Ethel. What — what — can I — do? 

Ruth. Do ? I know what /V do ! I wouldn't stay in the 
house another minute with a man who talked to me like that ! 
If a husband of mine was as unreasonable and unjust as that, I 
certainly wouldn't take it as meekly as you do ! 

Ethel. Bat what can I do? You don't know Morton, 
Ruth. This is not the first time he's been unreasonable and 
unjust, and nothing I can say makes any difference. He 
doesn't mind what I do. 

Ruth. I'd make him mind ! 

Mary {softly^. Good for yez, Miss Ruth ! She's too aisy 
wid him, is Miss Ethel ! 

Ethel {looking up, iviping her eyes). But what can I do? 

Ruth. Do? I tell you what I would do! I'd walk out 
of this house, and I'd never enter it again till he apologized, 
and promised to make that old cat of a sister of his behave 
herself, — and her daughter, too! 

Ethel. Why, Ruth ! 

Ruth. I certainly would ! Do you think I'd let any man 
walk over me that way? I guess I wouldn't! Talk up to 
him, leave him to run the house, and his sister and that mis- 
chievous, whining youngster all by himself, and he'd soon come 
to his senses ! 

Mary {peepifig out). That's roight, Miss Ruth, so he 
would ! 

Ethel {elbow on table, face resting on her hand). But, 
Ruth 

Ruth. Where's your spunk? You used to have enough 
when you were a girl. I never supposed you'd let a man run 
over you this way ! Come, Elhel, it's now or never. Make 
him understand you won't be treated like this, and he'll soon 
behave himself, but give in and take it meekly, and you'll have 
to stand it all your life. 

Ethel. But where can I go ? 

Ruth. Where? Why, — I have it, go to the Stuarts' I 
Wasn't Elsie in here this very morning, and didn't she invite 
you to come over to their house and try the rest cure ? It's 
the very place ! Get ready and go right away, and it's so 
near I can run over and see you any time and tell you how 
things are going, — don't tell Morton where you will be, of 
course. Come, sister, spunk up, and you'll have that husband 
of yours back to his senses and apologizing on his bended knees 
in no time ! 



26 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

Ethel {thoughtfully^. I might, but I woiider if— — 
(^Hesitates y then rises, and speaks decidedly.') I'll do it, 
Ruth, I will ! It did seem to me I couldn't stay another day 
in this house with Amelia, but I didn't know what to do. 
Now I'll try your scheme, — but if it shouldn't work, Ruth ? 

{Doubtfully.) 

Ruth. Work ? Of course it will work ! Come, Ethel, 
hustle up-stairs and get what things you want to take before 
Amelia comes back. I'll look after everything here, so you 
needn't worry over a thing, and I'll run over to-night and re- 
port progress. Hustle, now ! {She takes Ethel's ar7?i and 
leads her off r. Comes back c.) I want to ^e\ her out of the 
house before she has a chance to change her mind and back 
out. Ethel is too soft, altogether ! 

Roger Stuart {entering l.). Good-morning, Ruth. 

Ruth {turning, speaking rather coldly). Why, good-morn- 
ing, Roger. 

Roger. I knocked four times at the kitchen door, but no- 
body came, so I finally decided to walk in. 

Ruth. Yes, I see. 

Roger. Nice morning, isn't it? A fine day for a spin in 
the auto. 

Ruth. Yes. I thought you had gone for one ; Elsie said 
you were going. 

Roger. She and Sidney have gone, but I decided I didn't 
care to go without you. Thought I'd wait till some time when 
you could go. Wasn't I considerate? 

Ruth {coolly). Very. 

Roger. Why, Ruth, what's the matter? Were you up too 
late at the dance last night ? 

Ruth. No later than I often am. 

Roger. Then what is the matter ? 

Ruth. Nothing. 

Mary {peeping out). It sames to me she's got a chill. 

Roger. Yes, there is. Tell me, Ruth. Didn't you like it 
because I sent Elsie after you this morning instead of coming 
myself? 

Ruth. Nonsense 1 Of course that was all right. 

Roger. Then what is it ? 

Ruth {turning aiv ay). Nothing — that is {Hesitates ^ 

then turns toward him.) I have made up my mind at last. 



/■ 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 27 



Roger, and I am ready to give you your answer now. I told 
you I would answer your question to-day, and the answer is — 
no. 

Roger {coming toward her). Why, Ruth ! You don't — 
you can't — surely you can't mean that ? 

Ruth. I do mean it. I have been thinking it over, and I 
have decided not to marry. So I may as well let you know at 
once, and have it over with. 

Roger. But, Ruth, last night — I thought — you don't mean 
there is somebody else ? 

Ruth. No, I am never going to marry anybody. I don't 
like husbands, and I never mean to be tied to one. 

Roger. You are not serious, Ruth ! 

Ruth {decidedly). Yes, I am, Roger; I mean it. I like 
you, and I have enjoyed our good times together, but I don't 
want to marry you. Last night I thought perhaps I did, but 
now I have decided I don't. I don't want to marry anybody. 
You needn't try to make me change my mind, — I mean what 
I say. 

Roger. You really mean this, Ruth ? 

Ruth. Yes, I really mean it. 

Roger. Then {Hesitates, looks at her, takes a step 

forward, then ttirns away.) Then good-bye, Ruth. 

[Exit, L. 

Ruth {looking after him). AVell ! That didn't take long, 
I must say. And I didn't suppose Roger would take it like 
that, — why, last night he acted as if he really cared for me. 
But probably he's like all the rest, — love doesn't amount to 
much with men. I'm glad I had i;ense enough to say no. 
You won't catch me being in the scrape Ethel is in ! I think 
I had better see how she's getting on. She may need me to 
l)race her up. [Exit, r. 

Mary {scrambling out frojn behind the screett). The saints 
presarve us ! Sure an' there's a hape av throuble goin' on in 
this house this marnin'. There's Mrs. Brown and Miss Cora 
come, that's enough to upset a whole household, an' Miss 
Ethel's goin' to rin aff and lave her husband, not that I blam.e 
her any, he is that aggeravatin' an' I hope she will tach him a 
lisson, an* now Miss Ruth says she won't marry Mr. Roger, — 
faix, an' she's in the roight av it, I'm thinkin'. Men are all 
aloike, aven Dinny, — he's a man, too. I dunno as he's any 
betther than the rist av thim. Sure an* this is a quare worrold. 
An' here am I a-sthandin' here an' me washin' not out yit ! 



28 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

(^Goes toward door y l.) 

Dennis {entering l.). Is it here yez are, Mary Ann? I 
thought yez had a hape av worruk to do this marnin\ And 
why aren't yez in the kitchen a-doin' av it? 

Mary. Now yez needn't be thryin' to boss me and till me 
what 1 ought to be doin', Dinnis O'Hara ! 

Dennis. Why, Mary Ann 

Mary. I've made up me moind at last, an* I may as well 
till yez me answer now an' have it over with. If Miss Ruth 
can say no, so can I, an' sure an' we have the bist av raisins. 

Dennis. What do yez mane, Mary Ann ? 

Mary. Faix, an' 1 jist mane that I won't be afther marryin* 
yez at all, at all. Nor it's not anybody that Mary Ann 
O'Connor will marry. It's mesilf that don't loike husbands, 
an' 1 niver mane to be tied to one. 

Dennis. Sure, an' yez don't mane that, Mary Ann ! 

Mary. Dade an' I do, thin, Dinnis. I loike yez, an* I've 
been havin' a good toime with yez, but I don't want to marry 
yez. I'm niver goin* to marry anybody. Yez needn't be 
afther thryin' to make me change me moind, — I mane what I 
say. 

Dennis. Very will, thin, it's not Dinnis O'Hara that will 
be botherin' yez any more. Good-day to yez, Miss O'Connor ! 

{Bows low J marches off L.) 

Mary. Faix, an' that didn't take long, ayther ! Sure an' 
it's not hard to refuse a man, — I can do it as well as Miss 
Ruth. Now that's aff me moind, an' I'll jist be afther 
a-finishin' me washin*. [^Exit, L. 

Ethel {entering r., wearing hat, carrying jacket and small 
hand- hag which she sets down; has gloves). Dear me, I 
don't know whether I'm doing right or not, but it does seem 
to me I can't stay in this house another day, — especially now 
Amelia is here. I don't see why Morton should always take 
her side. They both are so unreasonable. Morton used to 
act as if he cared for me, and I can't understand why he has 
changed. Ruth says I haven't treated him in the right way, 
and this will bring him to his senses, but what should I do if 
it doesn't? 

Morton {entering r.). Ethel, I wish you would 

Why, where are you going ? I should think you had work 
enough to do this morning without going off somewhere. 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 29 

Ethel {putting on her gloves^ speaking quietly). You 
will have to get some one else to do your work, Morion. 

Morton {surprised). What? 

Ethel. If you and Amelia disapprove of me and of what 
I do so much, you can get somebody else to run your house. 
I shall not stay here and endure such treatment any longer. 

Morton. What do you mean ? 

Ethel. Just what I say. You have no right to talk to me 
the way you do, neither has Amelia any right to come here 
and criticise me and find fault with my housekeeping. I shall 
not stand it any longer. When you are ready to apologize 
and to assure me that I shall not be insulted again in the home 
you have given me, I will come back, but not before. {Picks 
up bag and jacket ; walks toward door L. Turns as she 
reaches //, and looks back.) I mean what I say, Morton. Do 
you understand ? {Stands looking back at him, hand on door- 
knob. He stands staring at hery too astonished to speak.) 



CURTAIN 



ACT II 

SCENE. — The Barclays' kitchen. Tvne, the following Fri- 
day afternoon. Doors R. a?id L. Window R. c. Door 
to pantry L. Blue flame stove L. with two flat-irons on 
middle burner. Ironing-board R. fiear ivindow. Small 
table L. c. with water pail and dipper, also teakettle. Shelf 
on wall at back of stage, on which are a tin can with tea, 
a hammer and a box. Rocking-chair \\. Two other 
kit die 71 chairs. Hook i?i wall k., on which are ivhite apron ^ 
big calico apron and dust-pan. 

Mary {is ironing). Sure an' it ain't very aftin that Mary- 
Ann O'Connor is doin' her ironin' this late in the week. It's 
mesilf that wishes Mrs. Brown would go away and lave us in 
pace. It's wan thing afther anither she's given rae to do, an' 
she says this house is goin' to be clane for once in its loife, — 
jist as if Miss Ethel didn't know ivery bit as much about 
kapin' house as Mrs. Brown hersilf. (Glances at clock.) 
Faix, an' it's toime I put over the taykittle. It'll be toirae for 
tay before I know it, an' that stove takin' half the day to git 
it loighted, bad 'cess to it ! {Puts iron on stove, takes teakettle 
and goes to water pail.) Did I iver ! Here's ti:ie walher pail 
empty agin. Dinny used to kape it full for me, so he did, but 
niver a koind look can a poor girrul git fiim him now. 

{Shakes her head and sighs, picks up pail.) 

Ruth {e?itering r., carryittg parasol). Mary Ann, I'm 
going to walk, but I'll be back in time for supper. Is there 
anything we need at the store ? 

Mary {setting down pail). I guess no', Miss Ruth. I 
thought maybe we'd be afther havin' some salad, an' Miss 
Cora's been coaxin' me to make a shorrcake, an' so 1 thought 
maybe I would to-night. 

Ruth {going toward door l.). That would be very nice. 

Mary. Miss Ruth {Hesitates.) 

Ruth {turning). Yes, what is it? 

Mary. Would yez moind tillin' me whin Miss Elhel is 
comin' back? 

30 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 3 1 

B.UTH {Jiesitatiiig). Why — I don't know, Mary Ann. Be- 
fore long, I hope. 

Mary. Sure, an' I hope so too, Miss Ruth, for kapin' 
house for Mrs. Brown is what I don't loike. To hear her lalk, 
ye'd think she did a hape av worruk, but faix an' she don't; 
she jist loikes to sthand around an' boss an' see me worruk. 
I've tuk notice this wake, what wid her a-talkin* so big, an' 
the most av the worruk done in this house has been done by 
me an' by you. Miss Ruth, I'm thinkin'. Sure an' I wouldn't 
go to live in her house for twice the wages I gits now, an' I 
won't sthand it here in this house wid her thryin' to boss me 
much. longer, that 1 won't! 

Ruth. Why, Mary Ann, you won't desert us, will you? 

Mary. I don't want to go aff an' lave yez. Miss Ruth, but 
what wid Miss Ethel gone, an' that woman in this house, an' 
Miss Cora, I don't loike it here at all at all. It's a bad wake 
it's bin, Miss Ruthie darlint, an' it's bin hard for you too, I'm 
thinkin', what wid Mr. Roger not comin* here no more, nor 
Dinny, ayther. 

Ruth. Why, Mary Ann, what do you 

Mary. Sure an' I mane no offince, an' I'm glad I sint 
Dinny about his business, for I won't let any man be bossin' 
me, but it do same quare not to have Dinny hangin' around, 
an* he was always good about kapin' the wather pail full, I 
will say that for him. Faix, an' it's quare a man can't be 
good frinds wid a girrul an' have a good toime widout 
botherin* the loife out av her askin' her to marry him, ain't it 
now. Miss Ruth? {Goes to iro?iino^ again.') 

Ruth. So it is, Mary Ann. {Aside.) Roger hasn't been 
near me this week. I don't see why he should avoid me as if 
I were the plague, just because I refused him. 

Mary. Sure an' it's — ain't that an automo-bile? {Glances 
out of the ivindow.) It's Mr. Roger in his machine, I'm 
thinkin'. 

Ruth {lookins^ out window). It does look like him. 

Mary. Maybe he'll be sthoppin' here to take yez to ride, 
Miss Ruth. No, there he goes, whizzin' roight by the house, 
wid niver so much as a look this way. An' who was that on 
the front sate wid him, did yez notice. Miss Ruth? It didn't 
look loike Miss Elsie. 

Ruth {turning away from the 7vindow). I don't know 
who it was. {Aside.) It doesn't take Roger long to console 
himself. 



3^ THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

Mary. Sure an' it's men who are the fickle craythures.. 
They are no good at all at all, and we won't have anything 
more to do wid thiui, will we, Miss Ruth ? 

Ruth. Indeed we won't, Mary Ann. {Aside.') Wouldn't 
Mrs. Amelia be shocked if she could hear Mary Ann talking 
this way to me ? 

Mary. No, I've made up me moind, an' niver a man av 
thim all will Mary Ann O'Connor be afther a-marryin*, an' 
I'm sure ivery sinsible girrul ought to say the same. 

Ruth. That's true enough, and that's just what I say. 
I'm never going to marry any one, either. 

Mary. Good for yez. Miss Ruthie, darlint ! 

Ruth. Well, I must go. {Goes toward door. Speaks 
aside.) I wanted to stop to see Ethel, and now is my chance, 
while Roger is away. Perhaps she will know who that girl is. 
{Aloud.) I'll be back in time for supper, Mary Ann. 

\_Exit, L. 

Mary. All roight. Miss Ruth. Sure an' it's hersilf that's 
the swate pretty girrul, an' it's a plisure to worruk for her, that 
it is. She's not too proud to sthop an* talk a bit wid an Irish 
girrul, bliss her swate face! {Goes to stove to change her 
irons.) If I haven't bin afther forgittin' all about the tay- 
kittle ! An' I don't belave I turned on the ither burner, 
nayther. 

Mrs. B. {entering r.). Mary Ann, I wish you would make 
me a cup of tea. My head doesn't feel right, and I am sure a 
cup of good hot tea, made with fresh water, would make it feel 
better. 

Mary. All roight, mum. 

Mrs. B. {sitting down). Make it immediately. Don't 
wait to light another burner, use the one you have. The 
ironing can wait. 

Mary {turning toward her). If yez plaze, mum, I'm 
roight in the midst av me ironin', an' I'd loike to git it down 
before it's toime for supper. If yez can wait 

Mrs. B. I don't care to wait. Do as I tell you immediately, 
Mary Ann ; don't let me have to speak twice. The ironing 
can wait till after supper or until to-morrow if it is necessary. 

Mary {going toward water pail, muttering). Sure an* 
me ironin' has waited long enough alriddy. It's mesilf that's 
tired av puttin' it aff an' puttin' it aff, jist because yez have 
something ilse for me to do. 

Mrs. B. {sharply). What do you say? I want you to 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 33 

distinctly understand, Mary Ann, that so long as Mrs. Barclay 
is away 1 am mistress here, and you must obey my orders with- 
out question. Now make the tea immediately. (^Aside.') 
Ethel always was too easy with her servants, but I'll soon have 
Mary Ann trained. 

Mary. If yez plaze, mum, Miss Eihel always 

Mrs. B. {sharply). Mary Ann, why do you always call 
her Miss Ethel? You know very well she is married and her 
name is Mrs. Barclay. Be careful to call her that in the 
future.- 

Mary. Sure an' I've known Miss Ethel iver since she was 
that hoigh (^measuring distance from floor with her hand)y 
an' I've always called her Miss Ethel, an' so long as Miss 
Ethel hersilf don't moind I don't say v/hy yez should be afther 
moindin'. 

Mrs. B. How dare you stand there and answer me back 
like this ? I never allow such impertinence in my servants for 
an instant ! 

Mary. If yez plaze, mum, I might be afther remoindin' 
yez that I'm not wan av your servants ! 

Mrs. B. How dare you ! I shall report your conduct to 
my brother, and it shall not go unpunished, I assure you. I 
have had about as much impudence from you this week as I 
can stand, and if you are not careful you'll find yourself with- 
out a place, and I shall certainly not give you a character if 
you try to get another situation. 

Mary. Faix, an' I've got a char-ac-ter av me own, an' I 
don't want yez to give me any av yours ! An' it's not mesilf 
that would be sorry to foind mesilf widout this place, for a 
hard place it's bin this last wake wid Miss Ethel gone; not that 
I blame her for goin' afther yesilf an' Miss Cora came 

Mrs. B. {rising angrily). Mary Ann ! Do you know 
what you are saying? 

Mai^y. Dade an' I do, mum, an' I've bin wishin' I could 
say it all the wake, an' I'll have me say out now. (Hands on 
hips.) I packed me trunk Monday night an' me valise, too, 
an' I'm riddy to go any minute, an' I wouldn't have sthayed 
this long if it hadn't bin for Miss Ruth, an' me a-thinkin' 
maybe Mr. Morton would be sindin' yez home an' gittin' Miss 
Ethel back again. 

Mrs. B. Mary Ann, if you dare 

Mary. Faix an' I dare say what I plaze, mum, an' I'll till 
yez now that I've had all av ye bossin' this wake I can sthand. 



34 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

an' not anither hour will I sthay in this house takin' orders 
from yez ! Mary Ann O'Connor is no slave, she's an honest 
girrul earnin' an honest livin*, an' she desarves honest 
tratemint, which is what nobody gits from yez, I'm thinkin'. 
An' now I'll jist be takin' me valise an' go, an' I'll be sindin* 
for me trunk jist as soon as Dinny can git it, an' yez can finish 
the ironin' yersilf an' make yer own tay. Not anither slhep do 
I take for yez. An' I'll jist be havin' yez understhand I mane 
what 1 say ! 

(^Nods head defiantly and stares at Mrs. B., who stares 
back but says nothing. Mary glances at stove, turns off 
burner, which is lighted, throws down her ironing-holder ^ 
marches across room and exits R.) 

Mrs. B. (sinking down in chair). What a horrid creature ! 
The idea of her daring to talk to me in such a manner ! But 
it all comes from Ethel's training, — she has simply let that girl 
run over her. It's lucky I came here to look after things, or 
there would be a perfectly disgraceful state of affairs here soon. 
Morton had better be thankful he has a sister. I did think it 
was very inconsiderate of Ethel to go away this week, but I 
don't know but what it was best, for I will attend to things and 
see that Morton is taken care of properly. 

Morton {entering l.). You here, Amelia? Where is 
Mary Ann ? I thought I would tell her to have supper early, 
for I'm hungry. I've had a long ride, but I saw the man I 
wanted, and I'm glad that matter is off my mind. I'm tired 
now, though. {Sits down.') 

Mrs. B. You can be sure of one thing, Morton, Mary Ann 
won't get your supper for you to-night. 

Morton {in surprise). What's the matter? Is she sick? 

Mus. B. No, I have discharged her. 

Morton. Discharged Mary Ann ? 

Mrs. B. Yes, I have. I don't intend to have any more 
impertinence from that creature. The next girl you have I'll 
pick out for you myself, and you'll find her more respectful 
than Mary Ann is, I promise you. I won't stay in a house 
with a girl who talks up to me the way Mary Ann does. 

Morton. Why, I'm sorry if she was disrespectful. But — 
when is she going ? 

Mrs. B. Immediately. She is up -stairs now getting on her 
things. 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 



35 



Morton. Where is she going ? 

Mrs. B. I'm sure I don't know, and I don't care. But I 
do know she won't stay in the same house with me another 
day. 

Morton. But — who is going to do the work here? 

Mrs. B. I don't know. I'll write to a friend about a girl I 
have in mind, and she'll probably be here by the first of next 
week. Meanwhile, you can get in one of the neighbors' girls 
to do the work. 

Morton. That isn't so easy. We tried to get somebody in 
the spring when Mary Ann was sick, but we couldn't find any- 
body around here. 

Mrs. B. Then Elhel will have to come home. 

Morton {utalkin^ to window ; speaking aside). That isn't 
so easy, either. (^Aloud.) I doubt if — if Ethel will be home 
this week. 

Mrs. B. Then Ruth will have to take hold and help. I'm 
sure you can't expect me to do much, Morton, in the delicate 
state of my health. I took care of Cora in her sickness, and 
my nerves were completely shattered at the end, and I came 
here to get an entire rest. 

Mary {entering r., wearing a large hat with flowers, car- 
rying coat on her arm ; has valise). Me trunk is all strapped 
riddy, an' I'll be sindin' Dinny afther it as soon as I know 
where it's to go to. An' if yez could make it convenient to 
give me me wages now I'd loike it, but if not yez can sind it 
to me. 

Morton {going toward her). Mary Ann, hadn't you bet- 
ter wait until the first of the week before leaving us? By that 
time perhaps we can find somebody else to take your place, 
and 

Mrs. B. Morton, I don't care to have that creature stay in 
this house another day. She insulted me, and 

Mary. Dade an' yez needn't be worry in', mum, I don't 
want to sthay in the house wid yez another day, ayther. We're 
agreed on that. Mr. Barclay, yez can till your sisther to be 
afther a-doin' the worruk. It'll be a change for her, I'm 
thinkin'. An' maybe ye'll foind yez won't loike her ways as 
well as yez did Miss Ethel's. An' if Miss Ethel comes back 
an' wants me to hilp her, afther your coompany is gone, I'll 
coom, but I'll not coom before. An' I'll not be botherin' yez 
now aboot me wages, seein' as how me an' this lady don't foind 
it agray-able to sthay in the same room togilher, but I'll jist sind 



36 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

yez me addriss an* yez can be afther a-sindin' the money. 
Good-afLhernoon to yez. {Bows, walks off Ij., head in air.') 

Mrs. B. The impudence of her ! Morton, did you ever in 
all your life see such a — such a creature f How you have 
managed to stand her all this time I don't see. 

Morton. I don't remember ever hearing her talk that way 
to Ethel. 

Mrs. B. {sharply). But she wouldn't dare talk this way if 
Ethel had properly trained her. I always told you, Morton, 
that Ethel didn't know how to manage her servants. And this 
whole house was in a disgraceful state of affairs when I came. 
It's lucky I came when I did. 

Morton {turning to wijidow). Is it? {Aside.) I don't 
think this has been a very comfortable week. 

Mrs. B. It certainly is. By the time Ethel comes back I'll 
have everything running smoothly, and I'm sure I hope she'll 
have sense enough to keep it so. When is she coming back ? 

Morton. I don't know. I wish you'd tell me, Amelia, 
what we are going to do now without any girl to do the work. 

Cora {running in l. ). Say, mamma, where is Mary Ann 
going? And isn't that a funny hat she had on? Did you see 
all the flowers? I asked her where slie was going, but she 
wouldn't answer me; she just went right on. 

Mrs. B. You must never speak to her again, pet. That 
creature doesn't deserve to have decent people speak to her. 

Cora. Why, mamma, what has Mary Ann done? 

Mrs. B. She insulted me, and I have sent her away. 

Cora. Sent her away ? Isn't she coming back ? 

Mrs. B. No, she isn't. 

Cora. Why, mamma, she said she would make me a short- 
cake for supper, and I'm awful hungry. Don't send her away 
till after supper. I'll call her back. {Turns to door.) 

Mrs. B. No, you mustn't call her back, Cora. Why, I 
thought you didn't like Mary Ann. Don't you remember how 
she shook you, and drove you out of the kitchen ? 

Cora. Yes, I know it, but she makes awful good things to 
eat. 

Mrs. B. She'll never make anything more in this house, so 
long as I stay here. 

Cora. Who is going to get supper? I'm most starved. 

Morton. That's what I'd like to know. Amelia, can't 
you 

Mrs. B. Why, Morton, you know I can't do any work, in 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 37 

my state of health. I came here to get an entire rest. Call 
Miss Carter; she will have to get the supper. And tell her to 
make me a cup of tea as soon as possible. 

Morton (/;/ a relieved tone). Of course, Ruth will help 
us. Call her, Cora. 

Cora. She isn't here. She went to walk a while ago, and 
I asked her if I could go too, and she said no, I'd get too tired, 
she was going so far. I don't know where she went, but 1 guess 
shewon't be home very soon. Maybe she was going to stay to 
supper. 

Morton. Perhaps she was going to the Stuarts'. She and 
Miss Elsie are great friends. In that case she may not be home 
till ten o'clock. 

Mrs. B. How provoking ! Well, Morton, you and Cora 
will have to get supper. Doubtless you will find plenty to eat 
in the refrigerator, so it won't take you long. I declare, I feel 
all unstrung, after that scene with Mary Ann. I don't feel 
able to sit up. Hand me that fan, Cora. I hope I'm not going 
to faint. 

Morton. Drink a glass of water, Amelia. (^Goes to 7vater 
pail.') Thunder ! the pail is empty. Never mind, I'll get you 
some as soon as I can. H^adn't you better go and lie down ? 

Mrs. B. Yes, I think I will. Make me a cup of tea, 
Morton, as soon as possible. Doubtless I'll feel better after 
supper. \^Exit, r. 

Cora. She'll wait till the dishes are washed, though. 
Uncle Morton, did you know mamma would rather boss other 
folks than do the work herself? 

Morton. Hush, Cora, you shouldn't say such things. 

( Takes up water pail and goes to door l. ) 

Cora. Why not, when it's true? Shouldn't people al- 
ways speak the truth ? 

Morton. Well — er — usually. I'm going to get some water. 
Turn on the stove, will you ? \_Exit, L. 

Cora. How do I do it, Uncle Morton? Oh, he's gone. 
Well, maybe I can find out. {^Goes toivard stove.) I saw 
Mary Ann whirling round those round things. (^Tnrns 07i 
middle burner.') Mean old thing, I should think she might 
have left the burner lighted, if she wouldn't stay long enough 
to get supper. And she promised to make me a shortcake. I 
hope she's left something good to eat in the house. And any- 



38 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

how, Uncle Morton will let me help him get supper, and Mary 
Ann was always driving me out of the kitchen. What can I 
do first, I wonder ? 

Morton {enterijig with water pail). Cora, do you know 
where the tea is ? 

Cora. Yes, it's in a tin can on the shelf. I'll get it. I 
love to measure out tea. (She gets can from shelf. Tries to 
get of cover, it sticks, she takes ha7nmer and pounds it ; the 
cover flies of and the tea goes on the floor.) Oh, dear, Uncle 
Morton, just look at this. 

Morton. You ought to be careful, Cora. 

Cora. Well, I didn't know the cover comes off like that. 
You can clean it up, while I fill the teakettle. 

(Seizes teakettle^ fills it full of water, and puts it on the end 
burner.) 

Morton (getting doivn on his knees and scraping tip tea 
with his hands). I should think you'd better do this yourself. 

Cora. Well, I didn't want to. What are we going to have 
for supper ? 

Morton. I don't know. Look in the refrigerator and see 
what there is. 

Cora (looking around). Where is it ? 

Morton. Why, you know, on the porch by the back door. 

Cora. Oh, yes, I know. [Exit, l. 

Morton. It's inconvenient, having Mary Ann leave just 
now, but we'll get along. (Strikes match, and tries to light 
end burner under the teakettle.) Housekeeping is easy enough. 
Why doesn't this burner light ? Perhaps Til have to wait a 
minute longer. 

Cora (efitering with a dish in each hand). There isn't 
anything there but some succotash and some cold potatoes, and 
a pitcher of milk. 

Morton. We'll warm up the succotash ; that will do, with 
plenty of bread and butter and tea. 

Cora. I'll get a pan to put the succotash in. 

(Puts dishes 071 ironing table ; goes in pantry.) 

Morton. Cora is really quite helpful. I don't see why 
Mary Ann should object to having her in the kitchen. Amelia 
is right ; Ethel did give in to her fancies too much. (Tries to 
light burner again.) Now there's this stove. Mary Ann 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 



39 



didn't like it to use when she had much work to do, but I'm 
sure it's much better than our regular kitchen stove, and I'm 
glad I took that down. Why in thunder doesn't this light? 

Cora {coming back with saucepari). Here's the pan. 
Now I'll put it over, — let me see. {Glances around, sets pan 
on floor near stove, takes dishfro?n ironing fable.') Oh, dear, 
those old irons are in my way. {Puts dish on floor by pan f 
picks up iron, and drops it quickly. It falls on dish and 
smashes it.) O-oh ! 

Morton. What have you done ? 

Cora. I didn't know the old iron v/as hot. Mary Ann 
must have been ironing, and only just turned off the burner. 

(Picks up iron car ef icily with holder.) 

Morton. You ought to have been careful. Now we won't 
have any succotash for supper. Well, get a cloth and clean it 
up. 

Cora. All right. 

{Puts pieces of dish into the dust-pan, seizes apron from 
hook and wipes up the floor.) 

Morton {trying to light end burner). I'd like to know 
what we are going to eat, anyhow. Great Scott, I would like 
to know why this burner won't light. {Turns.) Cora, what 
are you doing? I do believe you've taken one of your Aunt 
Ethel's white aprons ! 

Cora. Well, it was the only thing I saw handy. 

\_Exit, L., carrying apron and dust-pan. 

Morton {taking down teapot afid measuring tea into it). 
I'm afraid Amelia won't get her cup of tea very soon. Well, I 
can't help it, — I should think she might have got the supper 
to-night, anyhow. 

Cora {enterins^). There's plenty of bread and butter, any- 
how. Uncle Morton. The bread is in the pantry; I'll go and 
cut that. {Goes in pantry.) 

Morton. Bread is all very well, but I must say I want 
something to go with it. This is nice for a hungry man, I 
must say, to come home and find nothing to eat and nobody 
to get him anything. I must confess this never happened when 
Ethel was here. 

Cora {screaming). O-oh ! Oh, dear ! (Enters holding 
one finger in the other hand.) O-oh, Uncle Morton ! 



40 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

Morton. What is the matter now ? 

Cora. I've cut my finger with that horrid old bread knife ! 
Oh, dear ! 

Morton. You ought to have been careful. Let me look 
at it. (^Looks at finger.') 

Cora. Oh, it hurts ! Just see it bleed ! 

Morton. Nonsense, that isn't a bad cut at all. You are 
more frightened than hurt. Here, I'll do it up for you. 
{Takes towel and wraps aroufid her hand.') Now go and sit 
down. 1 think I can get supper better without you. 

Cora (settling herself comfortably in rocking-chair). Why, 
Uncle Morton, that's just what Mary Ann says, and I just love 
to help in the kitchen. 

Morton {trying to light burner). I don't believe I blame 
Mary Ann for wanting you kept out of her kitchen. Why in 
thunder won't this burner light? 

Cora {giggling). Why, Uncle Morton, 'twasn't that burner 
I turned on, 'twas the middle one. 

Morton {lighting middle burner). Why on earth couldn't 
you say so ? 

Cora. I supposed you'd notice. I heard you tell Mary 
Ann you wouldn't have any trouble with this stove, you knew 
how it went. 

Morton. Well, I shan't have any trouble now. {Takes 
off iron, and puts teakettle o?i burner.) Now what are we 
going to have to eat? {Goes in pafitry, comes back with large 
paper bag.) What is in here, 1 wonder? 

{Opens it and looks in; bag slips from his hand and pota- 
toes roll over the floor.) 

Cora {giggling). Those are potatoes, Uncle Morton! 

Morton. So I see. {Picks them up.) I should think 
Mary Ann might find a better place to keep a few potatoes 
than a big paper bag like this. {Goes in pantry.) 

Cora. Say, Uncle Morton, I'm getting awful hungry. I 
wish you'd tell Mary Ann to come back and make us a short- 
cake. 

Morton {coming back). Cora, you go and find your mother 
and tell her she's got to come and get supper. I can't find 
anything to eat. 

Cora. All right. I shall starve if I wait for you to get it. 

\_Exit, R. 

Morton. Great Scott, 1 don't know what we're going to 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 4I 

do. Amelia ought to have had more sense than to discharge 
Jvlary Ann just now, unless she was willing to take hold and do 
the work herself. I remember I used to think Amelia was 
lazy and wanted other people to do the work when she was at 
home, but I supposed now she v/as married and had a home of 
her own she had changed. I'm sure one would think so, to 
hear her talk to Ethel and tell her what she ought to do. I 
don't know, — maybe Ethel wasn't so much to blame, after all. 

Cora {entering r.). Mamma says you can't expect her to 
do all the work ; she came here to get a rest, and all she wants 
for supper is some toast and tea. And she says you can find 
something to eat that will do for now, and when Ruth Carter 
comes back she can get something. 

Morton. There's no telling when Ruth will be back, and 
I'd like to know how I'm going to make toast on that stove. 

Cora. I don't know. Mamma says her head aches, and 
she wishes you'd hurry up and make her tea. 

Morton. Great Scott ! Ethel was always able to get 
supper, if her head did ache a little. 

Cora. Say, Uncle Morton, what did Aunt Ethel go away 
for this v/eek, anyhow? Mamma says she thinks it's funny. 
She says it wasn't very polite, and she says if Aunt Ethel had 
stayed she could have told her a i^w things about running this 
house and Mary Ann. Say, what did you marry her for, any- 
how ? Mamma says 

Morton. Oh, do keep still ! 

Cora. Well, mamma says if you'd only married tlie girl 
she picked out for you 

Morton. Cora, you run outdoors and play. 

Cora. Why, Uncle Morton, I don't want to, and I'm 



Morton. Never mind, you do as I tell you and run along. 

Cora. I'll tell my mamma you won't let me stay in the 
kitchen. She told Mary Ann 

Morton. Tell your mother if you want to, but do run 
along now. {Exit Cora tcnwillingly, l.) Thunderation, I 
don't blame Mary Ann for not wanting that child around in 
her way. It's enough to drive any one crazy to hear her 
chatter. Perhaps Elhel had a good reason for not liking to 
have her here, but I didn't realize it before. 

Mrs. B. {entering R.). Morton, isn't my tea ready yet? 
Seems to me you are very slow. 

Morton [shortly). I can't help it if I am. 

Mrs. B. {going to stove and putting hand o?t side of teakettle). 



42 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

Why, this water isn't even warm yet. What have you been 
doing all this time? {^Lifts teakettle.) Gracious, Morton, 
this is full of water ; you don't need nearly as much as this just 
for a little tea. Haven't you any common sense? 

Morton. If you've got any common sense you'll stay out 
here and get supper. Cora filled that teakettle, I didn't. 
Here I am just about starved, and 

Mrs. B. Don't get cross, Morton. 

Morton. It's enough to make a saint cross. What did 
you discharge Mary Ann for, I'd like to know ? Wlio did you 
think was going to get supper? I'd like to know why you 
can't do it, if you take it on yourself to send away my servants. 
Ethel never 

Mrs. B. Why isn't Ethel here to look after things herself, 
I'd like to know, Morton Barclay? 

Morton. I wish to gracious she was here, instead of you ! 

Mrs. B. Morton ! 

Morton. I certainly do. Ethel had her faults, but at 
least she kept things comfortable, and she always got along all 
right with Mary Ann. And you have made trouble in this 
house ever since you came here Tuesday morning, and 

Mrs. B. (^drawing herself tif). Morton, you forget to 
whom you are talking. I am your sister, and I am ten years 
older than you. {^He looks at her as if about to speak, 
hesitates y and turns away.) As for getting supper to-night, 
why don't you telephone for Miss Carter to come home? The 
Stuarts have a 'phone, haven't they? 

Morton. That's so; I hadn't thought of that. 

Mrs. B. I think instead of finding fault with me, you had 
better look after things here yourself, so long as your wife is 
not home. 

Morton. I'll 'phone to Ruth now. \^Exit, r. 

Mrs. B. {^sitting down). Dear me, how foolishly Morton 
does act ! And I haven't got my cup of tea yet. I'm sure 
mother taught him how to do a few things like that, when he 
was living home, and as for supper to-night, I am sure Mary 
Ann must have left things enough, and it is a very simple mat- 
ter to set them on the table. 

Dennis {entering l., pulling iii Cora, who hangs back). 
Yis, yez will, coom in here now ! If yez plaze, Mr. Barclay 
— oh, is it yesilf, Mrs. Brown ? 

Mrs. B. (rising). Dennis, what are you doing? Let go 
of my daughter this instant ! 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 43 

Dennis {letting go of Cora). If yez plaze, mum, I was 

a-doin' me worruk around the barn, an' Miss Cora came 

monkeyin' around, an' slie 

Cora. Well, Uncle Morton told me to go out to play, so I 

did. Say, mamma, he wouldn't let me stay in the kitchen. 

Wasn't he mean? 

Dennis. If yez plaze, mum. Miss Cora 

Cora. I wasn't doing any harm, mamma, I was just 

Dennis. I was jist a-goin' to wash off the carriage a bit, 

mum, an' I had me force pump in a pail of wather, an' Miss 

Cora got to fool in' wid it an' sint the wather all over the 

cushions an' the robe an' 

Cora. I just wanted to see how it worked, and 



Dennis. An' so I coom in to till Mr. Barclay he'll have to 
be afther a-kapin' Miss Cora out av mischief. That's all, mum. 

Cora. He shook me, mamma, and he said I needed a good 
whipping. 

Dennis. An' so she does, mum, axin' yer pardon. Maybe 
it would kape her out av mischief for as much as foive minutes. 

Mrs. B. Dennis, you have said quite enough. I never in 
all my life saw such impertinent servants as there are in this 
house. I shall report your conduct to Mr. Barclay, and with- 
out doubt he will discharge you. Now leave this room 
instantly. 

Dennis. Lave, is it, mum? Faix, an' it's mesilf that's 
been thinkin* I'd lave before this, only I've been waitin' for 
Mary Ann to make up her moind aboot 

Mrs. B. Dennis, did you hear what I said ? Leave this 
room ! 

Morton {entering r.). The wire was busy, so I'll have to 
try again in a few minutes. I never saw such service in all my 
experience with telephones. AVhy, what's the matter now? 

Mrs. B. This Irishman has been insulting my daughter, 
and I want him discharged. 

Morton. Why, what 

Cora. He shook me, Uncle Morton, just because I tried 
his old pump, and it was in a pail of water, and the old cush- 
ions were in the way and they got wet. 

Morton. He shook you, did he? Well, I don't know as 
I blame him. 

Mrs. B. Morton ! You shouldn't talk so before the serv- 
ants ; I told Dennis to leave, and 

Morton. See here, Amelia, this has gone quite far enough. 



44 I'HE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

I am perfectly capable of discharging my own servants. As 
for Cora, I want you to see what you can do about keeping her 
out of mischief hereafter. Do you understand ? 

Mrs. B. Morton, do you mean to insult your sister, too? 

Morton. Come, come, Amelia, don't be foolish. There's 
no insulting about it. You must remember you are a guest 
here ; you are not the mistress of this house, and so long as 
you stay here you must not interfere with my servants. 

Mrs. B. Things have come to a pretty pass if 1 can't say a 
word in my own brother's house when 1 see things going wrong ! 
I'll go home to-morrow if 

Morton. Perhaps it would be just as well ! 

Mrs. B. Morton ! 

Morton. You are welcome to stay here, so long as you re- 
member you are a guest, but I can't have you interfering with 
my affairs. 

Mrs. B. {^glaring at him, then turning toward door R.), 
Come, Cora, I see we are not wanted here. We'll go up-stairs 
and pack, and leave here the first thing in the morning. 

{Takes Cora's hand a fid pulls her toward door.) 

Cora {holding back). But, mamma, I want my supper ! 

Mrs. B. Hush, Cora ! I have no doubt your uncle grudges 
what litde we eat, and we won't trouble him any longer. 

\^Exit with Cora, r. 

Morton. I suppose the child is hungry, but I don't know 
what to give her to eat. Amelia certainly is trying, and I don't 
know as I blame Ethel for not liking to have her visit here. 
And Cora's capacity for mischief- 



Dennis {coughing). Axin' yer pardon, sor 



Morton {turning). Oh, you there yet, Dennis? 

Dennis. Yis, sor. Aboot Miss Cora, sor, she was that 
thryin' I lost me timper, but I didn't mane no harm, sor. 

Morton. No harm was done, I'm sure, — though of course 
you ought not to have shaken her. I say, Dennis, do you know 
how to cook ? 

Dennis {looking surprised). What, sor ? 

Morton. Do you know how to cook? I can't find a thing 
to eat but cold potatoes, and those don't appeal to a hungry 
man, and I don't know what to do. Can you make a short- 
cake ? 

Dennis. Faix, sor, many's the toime I've watched Mary 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 45 

Ann make wan av thim, an' maybe if I had a book av re- 
sates 

Morton. But I don't know where there is a receipt book. 

Dennis. Well, sor, I can boil eggs. 

Morton. The very thing ! Go to work and boil a dozen 
or so, will you ? And I'll try the 'phone again and see if I can 
get Miss Carter. \^Exit, r. 

Dennis. Well, I niver ! This is the first toime that iver I 
had to git me own meals in this house, an' the masther's, too. 
Now where is Mary Ann, I wonder? An' where does she kape 
the eggs? iJLooks around the room.) Sure, an' I'm hungry 
enough to eat a dozen av thim rnesilf. What's in here, I 
wonder? (Takes box doivnfrom shelf.) 

Mary (Jookifig i?i i.., ivearing hat, butts without coat and 
valise). I don't want to coom in if Mrs. Brown is here. 
(Enters cautiously.) She might — why, Dinny, what are yez 
aft her ? 

Dennis {turning). Is it yersilf, Mary Ann? Faix, an' I'm 
glad to see yez, an' so will the masther be, I'm thinkin*. 

Mary. But what are yez lookin' for, Dinny? 

Dennis. Lookin' for eggs. 

Mary. Now ye big jay ! Yez know I don't kape the eggs 
on the shilf ; they are in the pantry. 

Dennis. That's so, they are. Well, I don't want any now, 
anyhow. 

Mary. But what are yez afther in here? 

Dennis. Why, yez see, Mary Ann, the masther is hungry, 
an' so am I, an' not a bite av any thin' to eat is there, so the 
masther told me to be afther boilin' some eggs. 

Mary. Why doesn't Mrs. Brown git the supper? 

Dennis. She? Faix, Mary Ann, it's yersilf that knows she 
doesn't loike to worruk. Now yez can git the supper. 

Mary. Dade an' I won't, thin. I'm discharged, I am, an' 
I came back to see if I could git yez to git me trunk for me. 
It's all strapped riddy an* waitin'. 

Dennis. Discharged, is it? An' who discharged yez? 

Mary. Mrs. Brown. 

Dennis. Faix, an' she is discharged hersilf, I'm thinkin'. 
She an' the masther had some worruds, an' she said she'd be 
goin' home to-morrow in the marnin'. 

Mary. Glory be ! 

Dennis. An' the masther will be that glad to see yez back 
an' gittin' his supper, Mary Ann, that all yez nade to do is to 



46 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

take afif yer hat an' git to worruk the same as ever, an' niver a 
word will he say as to what's over and past. An' sure an' I'm 
that hungry, Mary Ann ! 

Mary. An' not a bite to eat, I remimber now. I 
was goin' to make a big shortcake for supper, an' thin 
to-morrow marnin' I'd do me bakin' for over Sunday. An* it's 
past the tay hour, — faix, an' yez must be hungry, Dinny, b'y ! 

Dennis (approaching her). An', Mary Ann, if there should 
be any throuble aboot sthayin' here, — I haven't said no to Mr. 
Reed yit, an* that little house is sthill a-waitin' for yez, Mary 
Ann, if Idid say as how I'd niver ask yez agin ! 

Mary. I'll think aboot it, Dinny, an' till yez afther supper. 
Sure an* iverybody in the house must be half-starved, I'm 
thinkin*. {^Puts hand on teakettle.) This wather is hot 
enough, an' I'll have tay riddy in a jiffy. {Takes big apron 
frofn hook.) Whativer am I doin', gittin' tay wid me hat on ! 
I'll rin up an' take it aff, an' I'll call yez to supper in foive 
minutes, Dinny, \^Exit, r. 

Dennis. Faix, Mary Ann ain't so hard-hearted afther all, 
I'm thinkin'. Her an' me will go up to see Mr. Reed afther 
supper. An' now I'll jist go an' be gittin* the carriage back in 
the barn. [Exit, i.. 

Morton {entering r., has book in his ha fid). Tiie wire is 
still busy, but I've found Ethel's receipt book, and now perhaps 
— why, where is Dennis? Has he deserted me, too? (Glances 
around f looks in pantry, then out door l.) Well, Dennis, I 
didn't think that of you. But perhaps he couldn't find any 
eggs, and has gone out to the barn to see if there are any there. 
Well, now I'll see what 1 can do. Here's an apron ; I might 
as well get rigged if I've got to be cook. {Puts on big apron.) 
Now where is the receipt? {Looks in book.) Yes, here it is. 
I think the flour is in the pantry, so I may as well work in there. 

{Goes in pantry, shuts the door.) 

Ruth {entering l.). Nobody here? I thought Mary Ann 
would have supper all ready, and be telling me how late I am. 
I wonder where she is. It doesn't look as if supper was any- 
where near ready, and I must say I'm hungry. Well, Ethel 
didn't know who that girl was with Roger. I must say it 
hasn't taken him long to console himself, — not that I care at 
all. 

Elsie {entering l. ; is out of breath). Ruth Carter, I'd 
like to know if you are deaf ! 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 47 

Ruth. Why, hello, Elsie. No, of course I'm not. What's 
the matter ? 

Elsie. Here I've been chasing you for the last half mile, 
and calling to you, and you wouldn't turn your head an inch. 

Ruth. I didn't hear you. Sit down, do. You're all out 
of breath. 

{They take chairs R. c. Morton looks out of pantry.') 

Morton. There's Ruth, at last ! But I don't want those 
girls to see me with this apron on. {Vanishes.') 

Elsie. I'd like to know what's the matter, anyhow, Ruth, 
and I've come over to find out. 

Ruth. What's the matter ? Why, what do you mean? 

Elsie. What do you mean ? Why haven't you been over 
as often as usual this week ? I haven't seen you but once, 
and then I only just caught a glimpse of you as you slipped 
upstairs to speak to your sister. 

Ruth. Oh, you had company that day, and I didn't want 
to disturb you. I think it's good of you people to let Ethel 
have that room, and that veranda all to herself. I know the 
rest is doing her lots of good. 

Elsie. We are glad to have her there, but I'm afraid we 
can't keep her much longer ; she seems to be getting restless. 
I knew a week's rest would do her good, for she was all tired 
out having so much company. 

Ruth. Yes, Ethel isn't very strong, anyway, and she 

Elsie. Now see here, Ruth Carter, I didn't come here to 
talk about your sister. 1 came here to talk about _>'<7?^, and you 
needn't try to switch me off the track. What's the matter ? 

Ruth. Why, nothing, only I've been busy, and you have 
had a good deal of company. 

Elsie. Nonsense ; v/e haven't ha.d any more than usual, 
and you know most of my friends. Come, now, tell me. 
What is it ? 

Ruth. Why, I've been busier than usual, with Ethel away. 

Elsie. That excuse won't do. There's something wrong 
between you and Roger, I know. I've tried to get it out of 
him, but he won't tell me a word. The poor fellow has been 
going around as glum as can be, and I wish to goodness you 
two would hurry and make up. He hasn't been a bit of good 
all the week. 

Ruth. Oh, he doesn't need me to amuse him. There are 
plenty of other girls around. 



48 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

Elsie. Whom do you mean ? Ruth, you're not jealous, 
are you? I don't see who — oh, I know 3 did you see him go 
by with that girl to-day in his auto? 

Ruth. Yes. I don't see as he needs me for company. 

Elsie (^laughing). Why, you big goose, that was Mrs. 
Pierpont's maid, and Roger took her down to the depot. Mrs. 
Pierpont has been visiting mamma this week, you know, and 
she sent her maid to the city on some errand, I don't know 
what. But that was just this afternoon, and something went 
wrong before that. i^Coaxiugly.') Tell me, Ruthie, that's a 
good girl. 1 can't see my only brother breaking his heart over 
you, and not try to do a thing to set things riglit. 

Ruth {turning away). He isn't breaking his heart. 

Elsie. Yes, he is. I know Roger cares for you, and so do 
you. Come, Ruth, what is it? 

Ruth. Noticing [Hesitates.) If you must know, I 

refused to marry him, that's all. 

Elsie, Refused to marry Roger ? 

Ruth. Yes. You needn't look so surprised. It's no crime 
to refuse to marry your brother, is it ? 

Elsie. No, but — I thought you liked Roger. 

Ruth. So I do, but that's no reason I should want to 
marry him. You see, it's this way. I've decided 1 don't 
like men, and I don't think they make a bit nice husbands, 
and I don't want to be tied to one for the rest of my life. I 
don't intend to have any man ordering me around, and think- 
ing he can be cross and horrid just whenever it happens to 
suit him, and not pay any regard to my feelings at all. Mar- 
riage is a big risk, and a girl is only being sensible when she 
keeps out of it. 

Elsie. Why, Ruth ! What makes you feel this way all of 
a sudden? Have you been reading the papers too much, 
divorce cases, and so forth ? 

Ruth. No, I don't have to do that. I have an example 
right in my own family. 

(Morton looks out, then draws back.) 

Elsie. Whom do you mean ? Morton Barclay ? 

Ruth. Yes, I do. I know I ought not to mention it, but 
I'm sure you won't tell. I wouldn't be in Ethel's place, mar- 
ried to Morton Barclay, for any amount of money. I liked 
him well enough before they were married, but I've found out 
that men aren't the same after they get married and are sure 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 49 

of the girl. I'm warned in time, that's all, and I'm not going 
to risk it. 

Elsie. Now see here, Ruth Carter, if you are judging 
Roger by Morton Barclay you are making a big mistake. I 
always did think Morton was a disagreeable old thing, and I 
didn't see why your sister should fall in love with him, but 
Roger is different. He's just the best brother that ever lived, 
and he's lovely to mauuiia, and good sons make good hus- 
bands, you know. You needn't think men are all alike, be- 
cause they're not, and I think the girl that gets Roger is 
mighty lucky. 

Ruth. Well, you see, I {Hesitates, ) 

Elsie. Now, Ruth, use your common sense. You know 
perfectly well that it's all nonsense to say all men are horrid 
just because you think Morton Barclay is. I guess I know 
my brother, and I think Roger is just fine. And I know he 
loves you, and if you are going to refuse to marry him for 
any such silly reason as that, you — you are a big goose, that's 
all! 

Ruth [geititig up ami ivalking r. slowly). Well, Elsie, 
I— I 

Mary (^peeping in r.). Now what's the matther ? 

(^Draws back.') 

Elsie (following Ruth). Come, Ruthie, think it over, 
and use your common sense. You know Roger loves you, 
and I'd just love to have you for a sister ! (Pauses, but R.UTH 
says nothingj looks down. Elsie glances out window., speaks 
aside.) I do believe there's Roger coming now. I'll send 
him in here to talk to Ruth himself. [Aloud.) Good-bye, 
Ruth \ think over what I've said, won't you ? 

\Exit hastily i L. 

Ruth. Well, I must say Elsie went oft in a hurry. I 
wonder what struck her all of a sudden ? 

Mary {entering r.). Yez are back in plinty av toime 
for tay. Miss Ruth. (Looks around.) Now where was I 
afther a-puttin' me apron ? Sure an' I thought I put it on 
that chair. 

Ruth. I don't see it. 

Mary. Nor I naythur. That's quare. Well, I'll be 
afther a-startin' me shortcake. (Tries pantry door, but 
Morton holds it on the inside.) Well, I niver ! This door's 
stuck so fast I can't git it open ! (Pulls on it.) 



50 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

Ruth. You'll have to get Dennis to help you, Mary Ann, 

Mary [letting go of door ; turning). So I will. An' 
that makes me think, Miss Ruth, yez know what I was 
a-tillin' yez a while ago ? That I would niver marry anybody ? 

Ruth. Yes, I remember. 

Mary. I've been a-thinkin' av it over, Miss Ruth, and 
I'm thinkin' that afiher all men ain't all aloike, and there's 
nothin' loike knowin' how to manage thim. Axin' yer pardon, 
Miss Ruth, I'm thinkin' that Miss Ethel don't know how to 
manage Mr. Morton. She gives in to him too much. I did 
think, afther hearin' the way he talks to her, I wouldn't niver 
dare risk havin' a husband, but afther all, I dunno. Under 
roight tratemint, maybe husbands ain't so bad. Dinny ain't 
loike Mr. Morton, and maybe 1 could risk it. 

Ruth. So you are going back on your principles, Mary 
Ann? 

Mary. I dunno aboot that. Miss Ruth, but afther Mrs. 
Brown sint me away from here 1 was thinkin' 'twould be noice 
to have a home av me own where there couldn't nobody dis- 
charge me. And afther all, Dinny is that noice, and it do 
same lonesome loike not to have him around, and I guiss I could 
manage him if I was to thry. 

Ruth. Well, it's for you to decide. 

Mary. Yis, Miss- Ruth. An' axin' yer pardon, Mr. Roger 
is that noice, too, not a bit loike Mr. Morton, and I'm thinkin* 
maybe I'd dare risk it with him, if I was a girl as cared for 
him, Miss Ruth. {Pause. Ruth says nothing, but turns 
away and looks down. Mary f^lances out window, speaks 
aside.) There's Mr. Roger hisself comin' around the corner av 
the house. I'll skip out av the way. {Aloud.) I'll jist rin out 
and spake to Dinny a minute. Miss Ruth. [_Exit hastily, L. 

Ruth {looking after her). Well, I declare ! Tlieie gotfs 
Mary Ann, just as suddenly as Elsie vanished. What is the 
matter with everybody ? At this rate, we'll never hcive any 
supper. Mary Ann ! Wait a minute ! \_Exit, l. 

Morton {looking out of pantry cautiously, then coming out). 
Whew ! They say that listeners never hear any good of them- 
selves, and I've certainly proved it's true. That's what every- 
body thinks of me, is it? I'm a disagreeable old thing, and 
after watching the way I treat my wife, neither Ruth nor Mary 
Ann want to risk marrying anybody ! I do feel flattered ! 
Well, I needn't be cook any longer, anyhow, now Mary Ann is 
back, so I'll get out and let her open the pantry door when she 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 5 1 

comes in again. I couldn't have those girls catch me in there 
this way. {Takes off apron ^ and exit, k.) 

Ruth {entering l.). Why, no, Roger. Come in. 

Roger {entering). I don't want to bother you, Ruth. I 
won't stay but a minute. 

Ruth. You needn't hurry. There's time enough. 

Roger. You see, I've been planning to go away to-morrow, 
and first I thought I'd go without seeing you again, but then I 
thought perhaps {Hesitates.) 

Ruth. You are going away? Isn't this rather sudden? 

Roger. Yes, it is, but 1 {Hesitates.) I thought per- 
haps it would be best. And at first, as I said, I thought 1 would 
go without seeing you again, but — 1 don't want to bother you, 
Ruth, but I just thought 1 would ask you if you are sure you 
meant what you said Monday ? 

Ruth {looking down). Why, I — I was sure then that I 
meant it. 

Roger {eagerly, taking her hand). But have you changed 
your mind, Ruth ? 

Ruth. Why, I — I don't know {Some one coughs out- 
side L.) Some one is coming, Roger. Don't you want to 
come in the other room ? Or are you in a hurry to get home ? 

Roger. I'm in no hurry. I have all the time in the world, 
and I have such a lot to tell you, Ruth ! 

[^Exeunt both r. , hand in hand. 

Ethel {looking in door L., the?t entering). No one is here, 
but I thought I heard voices. I don't want to run into Amelia 
the first thing. I wonder where Mary Ann is? I thought 
sure she or Ruth would be here in the kitchen. {Looks 
around.) No signs of anybody. ,1 wonder if they have had 
supper and cleared away so soon. But the teakettle is warm. 
( Walks to stove and feels teakettle, then walks around the 
room.) Everything looks natural here. I feel as if I had 
been away an age. Probably Ruth will say I ought not to 
have come back, but I can't help it ; I just had to come and 
see how things are getting along. 

Morton {entering r.). I'd like to know if Why, 

Etliel ! {Stops short.) 

Ethel {nervously). Yes, Morton. 

Morton. Why, where — where did you come from ? 

Ethel. I — I just walked in. I wanted to see how every- 
thing looked here. 

Morton. Then do you still care anything about your home ? 



52 THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 

Ethel {looking dowii). I never said I didn't, Morton. 

Morton {advancing). And — and do you care anything at 
all about your husband, Ethel, even if he is a disagreeable old 
thing? 

Ethel {looking up in surprise). What ? 

Morton. Ethel, I've been wishing 1 knew where you were, 
and 1 was going to ask Ruth just as soon as I got a chance. I 
have found out a great many things this week since you have 
been away, especially to-day, and 1 want to ask your pardon. 
I had no right to talk to you the way I did, and it wasn't 
your fault, the trouble there's been with Amelia. I've found 
out how hard she is to get along with. And if you will come 
back 

Ethel {holding out her hand). Of course I will, Morton ! 

Morton {taking it). And 1 promise you, dear, that I'll 
never 

Mary {entering l.). Now, Dinny, I've got to make me tay 

first an' {Sees them and stops short.) The saints pre- 

sarve us ! {Stares.) 

Dennis {entering l.). What's the matther ? Is there a 
ghost in yer pantry ? {Sees the Barclays and stops short.) 
Oh, axin' yer pardon, mum ! 

Morton. You needn't be frightened. My wife has come 
home again, that's all. 

Marv. An' it's mesilf that's glad to see yez, mum, an' I 
hope ye' 11 niver go aff an' lave us agin ! 

Morton. I hope she won't, Mary Ann. 

Elsie {entering l.). Am I intruding? I beg pardon, but 
I want to know if that brother of mine is going to take me 
home in his auto, as he said he would. 

Roger {entering r., with Ruth). Presently, Elsie. Are 
you in a hurry? I'm not. 

Ruth. I thought I heard your voice, Ethel. How did you 
happen to come home so soon ? 

Roger. You have arrived just in time to congratulate me, 
Mrs. Barclay. Ruth has promised to marry me. 

{Takes her hand.) 

Cora {running in r.). I can't help it, mamma, I'm just 
awful hungry. 

Mrs. B. {entering r.). Cora, didn't I tell you Why, 

Ethel ! 



THE REBELLION OF MRS. BARCLAY 



53 



Cora. Hello, Aunt Ethel ! Hello, Mary Ann, I'm glad 
you've got back. I'm just starving, and won't you />/ease gtt 
me something to eat? {^Crosses to L.) 

Maky {seizing apron and putting it on^. Bliss the child, 
yez must be hungry, an' the same vvid all the rist av yez ! I'll 
stir around and have tay riddy in a jiffy. An' I'm that glad 
everythin' has ended foine, an' if ye'ii forgive me sayin' av it, 
I'll jist say Bliss yez all ! 

{Tableau. Morton a/id Ethel, c. ; Roger and Ruth, r. ; 
Mrs. B., r. c. ; Elsie and Cora, l. ; Mary ««^ Dennis, 
L. c.) 



CURTAIN 



Novelties 



SCENES IN A RESTAURANT 

An Entertainment in One Act 
By Jessie A. Kelley 

Author of *'Our Church Fair,"' '• The Village Post- Office^'* 
"Miss Prim s Kifidergarien,'" etc. 
Fafteen males, ten females. Costumes modern ; scenery unimportantc 
Plays one hour. A humorous presentation of what happens every day in 
the average restaurant, hitting everybody right where they live. Sure to 
be popular. All parts good ; lots of incident and chances for local hits. 
Can be recommended. 

Price, 2^ cents 

CHARACTERS 



Mrs. Smiley, an indulgent mother, 

Maud, her daughter; a spoiled child. 

Beggar. 

Mr. Delaney p^„„,^,^,. 

Mr. Hazelton V 

Mr. Hall, a health crank. 

James, his servant, 

Mr. Monroe, a chronic kicker. 

Hiram Greenback, _/row way back. 

Mary Ann, his wife. 

Kr.uSn.yV'i'^^fro^- Ireland. 



Mr. Jones, bead waiter. 

feSrt (--•'--• 

Mr. Rice, a mean man. 

Mr. Foss, who has a plan. 

Mrs. Brett. 

Mrs. Dacey. 

Mrs. Slack, deaf, middle-aged, «nd stoat. 

Miss Drew. 

^'■- F'',^ \ actors. 
Mr. Jackson ^ »'-*""• 

Reuben Grass, /ro»J the country. 

Mandy Clover, his best girl. 

FUN IN A THEATRICAL OFFICE 

A Vaudeville Entertainment 

By Maravene Kennedy Thompson 

Seven males, sixteen females. Costumes modern ; scenery unimportant. 
Plays a full evening. A complete vaudeville entertainment in itself or can 
be used as the frame for other specialties ; a " go-as you-please " showj 
very elastic and adaptable to all places and circumstances. A big bit in 
iits original performance. Strongly recommended. 

Price, 2^ cents 



CHARACTERS 



Luke Loud, a theatrical agent. 
Bat, his office boy. 

Clara Vere De Vere, hig stenographer. 
Orchestra Carr, bis pianist, 

VAUDEVILLE ARTISTS 

Gentlemen 

Pietro De Bianaco. 
George Washington Lincolo. 
Jan GetupangitskL 
Reuben Haskins. 



Ladies 



Mrs. Susan Suffreno Riser 

Mrs. Trailing Arbutus Floweir. imd. he> 

thirteen children. 
Miss Anise Flderbloom. 
Frisky Dewdrop. 
Fluffy Flutter. 
Madame Sylva. 
Mrs. Bridget Casey. 
Mrs. Rulethe Roost. 
Two ladies /or sketch introduced. 
Mme. Carmencita. 
•' Peach " Ott. 
Ruby Ott. 
Goldie ) 

Birdie > tbe Ceauette Sisten, 
Queenie J 



Novelties 
HOW THE CLUB WAS FORMED 

An Entertainment in Three Scenes 

By Mrs, O, W, Gleason 

Author of "How the Story Grew^ "A Modern 

Sewing Society t'' etc, 

Eif^hteen females. Costumes modern ; scenery unimportant. Plays 
one and a half hours. A humorous skit on the Woman's Club suited for 
performance by either young or middle-aged women. Full of points and 
chances for local hits and thus a sure laugh-maker. Parts well dis- 
tributed; c^in be recommended. 

Price J 75 cents 

A MOTHERS' MEETING 

An Entertainment in One Scene 

By Arlo Bates 

Author of*'A Business Meeti?2g,^* *'A Gentle Jury,** **An 
Interrupted Proposal,^ "Her Deaf Ear,^* etc. 

Ten females. Costumes modem ; scenery unnecessary. Plays thirty 
minutes, A good-humored and amusing satire of this institution suited 
\ox performance by middle-aged as well as young ladies. Can be made 
very amusing by the introduction of local points, as in all such enterfain- 
nients. All the parts are good and of nearly equal opportunity. Well 
recommended. 

Price f l^ cctits 

MAIDS OF ALL NATIONS 

An Entertainment in One Scene 
By Maude Burbank 

Author of "A Pan of Fudge 3*^ etc. 

Fifteen females, one male. Costumes of the nations ; scene, the usuai 
tableau arrangements. A pleasant variation of the " Bachelor's Reverie '' 
introducing fifteen pretty girls in the costumes of as many nations. Plays 
thirty minutes. Recommended for its simplicity and picturesqueness. Its 
one male character may speak or not, as preferred, and may be played by 
a girl if desired. 

Price f i^ cents 



New Entertainments 



OUR CHURCH FAIR 

A Farcical Entertainment in Two Acts 
By Jessie A, Keliey 

fwelve females. Costumes modern'; scenery unimportant. Plays at 
iiour and a quarter. A humorous picture of the planning of the annua; 
church fair by the ladies of the sewing circle. Full of local hits and 
general human nature, and a sure laugh-producer in any community 
Can be recommended. 

Price, 2^ cents 

CHARACTERS 

Mrs. Roberts, who wants to be Mrs. Lawson, plump. 

preside ::t. Mrs. Brown, anxious to get new 
Mrs. Henry, youngs giddy, church attendants, 

fond of novels. Mrs. Addison, very inquisitive, 

Mrs. Jackson, the president of Mrs. Ridgely, sensitive, 

the society, Mrs. Otis, on the dinner com 
Mrs. Brett, on the dinner com- mittee, 

mittee, Mrs. ^woiav^q^^ decidedly ckse, 

Mrs. Lewis, the minister^ s wife, Mrs. D^Ev^yjust married^ 

THE RIVAL CHOIRS 

An Entertainment in One Scene 
By Sherman F, fohtison 

Seven males, four females. Costumes eccentric ; scenery unimportant. 
Plays one hour. A novelty in musical entertainments, introducing the 
old choir and the new in competition. A novel setting for a concert, 
offering an interesting contrast between the old music and the new. Lots 
of incidental fun, character and human nature. Sure to please. Origi- 
nally produced in Meriden, Conn. 

Price, 2§ cents 

A THIEF IN THE HOUSE 

A Comedy in One Act 
By R. M. Robinson 

Six males, one playing a female character (colored). Costumes modern 
scenery, an interior. Plays forty-five minutes. A first-class play for maU 
characters only, of strong dramatic interest with plenty of comedy. A play 
that can be recommended, m spite of its lack of female characters, to an| 
mdience. 

Pricet 2^ cents 



New Plays 



RED ACRE FARM 

A Rural Comedy Drama in Three Acts 

By Gordan V. May 
Author of *' Bar Haven,'' ''At Random Run'' etc. 
Seven males, five females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, one interior, 
one exterior. Plays two hours. An easy and entertaining play with a 
well-balanced cast of characters. The story is strong and sympathetic and 
the comedy element varied and amusing. Barnaby Strutt is a great part 
for a good comedian ; " Junior " a close second. Strongly recommended. 

p7'ice, 2j cents 

CHARACTERS 

JosiAH Armstrong, the owner of Red Acre Farm. 

Colonel Barnaby Stkutt, "Crawling Codwollopers^'* 

Jonah Jones, a farm helper. 

Squire Harcoukt, who holds a 7no7igage. 

Harry Harcourt, his profligate soti. 

Dick Randall, who seeks his fortune. 

Tom Busby, a traveling merchant. 

Amanda Armstrong, Josians wife. 

Nellie Armstrong, driven from hoitte. 

Laura Armstrong, a poor, weak sinner. 

Mrs. Barnaby Strutt, the Colonel's wife. 

*' Junior," adopted daughter of the Strutts. 

SYNOPSIS 
Act I. — Living-room of Armstrong's home. Spring. 
Act IL — Garden in front of Armstrong's home. Summer, 
Act in. —Same as Act L Winter. 

THE SPEED LIMIT 

A Sketch in Two Scenes 

By Ernest M. Gould 

Five males. Costumes, modern ; scenery, unnecessary. Plays twenty 
minutes. A good-natured and effective skit on automobiling, very funny 
and very easy to get up. !•: requires no scenery or stage, but can be done 
on a platform just as well. Its fun is extravagant, but it is otherwise 
suited for school performance. Price, i£ cents 

"WILLIAM" 'l^^ 

A Farce in One Act 
By W. C. Parker 

Two males, two females. Costumes, modern ; scene, an interior. 
Plays twenty minutes. A brisk little piece of the vaudeville order, easy 
and full of laughs. All three parts are good ; strongly recommended. 

Price, I J cents 



New Plays 



PLAIN PEOPLE 

A Comedy Drama in Four Acts 

By Dana y. Stevens 
Five males, five females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors. 
Plays a full evening. A strong and human piece full of humorous chai-- 
acter drawing and sympathetic interest. The cast is very even in oppor- 
tunity, and all the parts are good. A great play for a good club, and a 
sure winner. Strongly recommended. Free for amateur performance. 

Price i 2^ cents 

CHARACTERS 

Ezra Bromley, storekeeper. 
Almira Bromley, housewife. 
Martin Jasper Bromley, college man. 
Liza Liz Hankins, b7'at. 
Judge Jotham Marley, Christian. 
Melissy Watkins, elderly maiden. 
Jonas ]p^K^OQ,Yi, farmer. 
Belindy Jarrock, seamstress. 
Hiram Curtis Peck, seller. 
April Blossom, help. 

SYNOPSIS 
Act L — Sitting-room behind Ezra Bromley's store. Morning. 
Act IL — The same. Some days later. 
Act IIL — At the Jarrocks'. Some weeks later. 
Act IV. — At the Bromley s'. Later in the evening. 

FOOLING FATHER 

A Comedy in One Act 

By R. M. Robinson 
Three males. Costumes, modern ; scene, an interior. Plays thirty 
minutes. A clever little play easily done and very effective. The boys 
arrange a little burglary just to show the old gentleman what heroes they 
are, but somehow things do not turn out right for the hero part. Can be 
recommended. Price, 75 cents 

AT THE JUNCTION K 

A Farce in One Act 

By Charles S. Bird. 
Three males, two females. Costumes, modern ; scene, an easy interior. 
Plays thirty minutes, A bright and vivacious little farce for two young 
couples and a comic station agent, very easy and effective. All the parts 
are first rate, and that of the station agent is a corker. Can be strongly 
recommended. Price, /jr cents 



New Plays and Entertainments 
MISS FEARLESS & CO. 

A Comedy in Three Acts 

By Belle Marshall Locke 

Ten females. Scenery, two interiors ; costumes modern. Plays a full 
evening. A bright and interesting play full of action and incident. Can be 
strongly recommended. Ail the parts are good. Sarah Jane Lovejoy, Katie 
O'Connor and Euphemia Addison are admirable character parts, and Miss 
Alias and Miss Aiibi, the ♦« silent sisters," offer a side-splitting novelty. 

JPrice, 2^ cents 

MRS. BRIGGS OF THE POULTRY YARD 
A Comedy in Three Acts 

By Evelyn Gray Whiting 

Four males, seven females. Scene, an interior; costumes modern. A 
domestic comedy looking steadfastly at the "bright side " of human 
atfairs. Mrs. Briggs is an admirable part, full ot original humor and 
quaint sayings, and ail the characters are full of opportunity. Simply bu; 
•itfectively constructed, and written with great humor. Plays two hours. 

Price, 2^ cejits 

SCENES IN THE UNION DEPOT 

A Humorous Entertainment in One Scene 

By Laura M, Parsons 

Twenty-four males, eighteen females and eight children, but can be 
played by less if desired. Scenery unimportant ; costumes modern. Full 
of humorous points and chances to introduce local hits. Plays from agj 
hour up, according to specialties introduced. 

Price f 2§ cents 

A MODERN SEWING SOCIETY 

An Entertainment in One Scene 
By 0, IF, Gleason 

Fourteen females. Costumes modern ; no scenery required. May be 
easily presented on a bare platform. Plays forty-five minutes. A hu'= 
morous picture of this much-abused institution, briskly and vivaciously 
written and full of '« points." Its characters offer a wide variety of op 
f;;«>itimity for local hits and satire of local characters and institutions. 

Price, /f cenii: 



Popular Plays 



THE COUNTRY MINISTER 

A Comedy Drama in Five Acts 

By Arthur Lewis Tubbs 
Eight males, five females. Costumes, modej-n ; scenery not difficult. 
Plays a full evening. A very sympathetic piece, of powerful dramatic in- 
terest; strong and varied comedy relieves the serious plot. Ralph Un- 
derwood, the minister, is a great part, and Roxy a strong soubrette ; all 
parts are good and full of opportunity. Clean, bright and strongly recom 
mended. Pricey 2^ cents 

THE TEASER 

A Rural Comedy in Three Acts 

By Charles S. Allen 

Four male, three female characters. Scene, an easy interior, the same 
for all three acts; costumes, modern. Plays an hour and a half. An ad- 
mirable play for amateurs, very easy to get up, and very effective. Uraliah 
Higgins, a country postman, and Drusilla Todd are capital comedy parts, 
introducing songs or specialties, if desired. Plenty of incidental fun. 

Price, 2^ cents 

THE HERO OF THE GRIDIRON 

A College Comedy in Five Acts 
By Esielle Cook 
Nine male, four female characters and supernumeraries. Costumes, 
modc-n ; scenery, easy interiors and exteriors, not essential. Plays about 
*wo hours. A successful farce suited to co-educational and other colleges; 
very easy and remarkably effective in performance. Can be played only 
on payment of a royalty of ^5.00 for each performance to the author. 

Price, 23 cents 

MOSE 

A Comedy in Three Acts 

By C W. Miles 
Eleven males, ten females. Scenery, two interiors ; costumes, morfern. 
Plays an hour and a half. A lively college farce, full of the true college 
spirit. Its cast is large, but many of the parts are small and incidental. 
Introduces a good deal of singing, which will serve to lengthen the per- 
formance. The inevitable football is an element of its story, but its 
strongest dramatic interest does not depend upon this. Recommended 
highly for co-educational colleges. 

Price, /J cents 

Sent, post-paid, 071 receipt of price, by 

BAKER, 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Mass. 



New Plays 



THE COLONEL'S MAID 

A Comedy in Three Acts 

By C. Leona Dairymple 

Author of "The Time of His Lifey'' "The Land of Night," etc. 

Six males, three females. Costumes, modern ; scenei-y, two interiors. 
Plays a full evening. An exceptionally bright and amusing comedy, full 
of action ; all the parts good. Capital Chinese low comedy part ; two 
hrst-class old men. This is a very exceptional piece and can be strongly 
recommended. Price, 2^ cents 

CHARACTERS 

Colonel Robert Rudd, a widower of ] 

North Carolina . ,, . ... 

Colonel Richard Byrd. « widower\ "mortally antagomsttc, 

of South Ca?'olina j 

V. Rirnn i ^^^^ ^^ antagonistic as their respective fathers, 

Mrs. J. John Carroll, a widow, and Colonel Rudd's sister- 

in-law. 
Julia Carroll, her daughter. 

Ned Graydon, a young gentlejuaji of exceedingly faulty memory. 
Mr. James Baskom, Colonel Rudd s lawyer. 
Ching-ah-ling, the Chinese cook, a bit impertinent htit byfartJu 

most important hidividual in the cast. 

SYNOPSIS 

Act I. — Early morning in the kitchen of the Rudd bachelor 
establishment. 
Act II. — The Rudd library, five days later. 
Act III. — The same. Evening of the same day. 

BREAKING THE ENGAGEMENT 

A Feirce in One Act 
By W. C. Parker 
Two males, one female. Costumes, modern ; scene, an interior. Plays 
twenty minutes A quick playing little piece suitable for vaudeville use» 
Very bright and snappy and strongly recommended. 

Price, Zf cents 

A PAPER MATCH 

A Farce in One Act 

By E. JV. Burt, M. D. 
Two males, two females. Costumes, modern ; scene, an interior. Plays 
thirty- five minutes. Four rustic characters, all good. The heroine ad- 
vertises for a husband and gets her aunt's old beau to their mutual horror. 
Very funny, easy and effective. Price, 75 cents 



New Plays 



THE SISTERHOOD OF BRIDGET 

A Farce in Three Acts 

By Robert Elwin Ford 

Seven males, six females. Costumes modern ; scenery, easy interiors^ 
Plays two hours. An easy, effective and very humorous piece turning 
upon the always interesting servant-girl question. A very unusual num- 
ber of comedy parts; all the parts good. Easy to get up and well rec- 
ommended. 

Price, 2^ cents 

CHARACTERS 

Edward Mason, <? wealthy stocks Mrs. Mason, socialist and €es^ 

broker. thete. 

Lord Curton, in search of a Eleanor Mason, her daugh- 

wife with money, ter. 

Ward Leighton, lieutenant of Bridget, the cook, 

the lydth Regiment, Josie Riley, \ , , , 

MikeMcShane, ^r/V^r 2/^^ ;w///^- Emma Hone, j o s ma s. 

cart, Mary Macrae, Jimmy's sister^ 

JIMMY Macrae, page at Mr, Timothy Rouke, house painter. 

Mason's, William, butler at Mr, Mason's, 

THE ALL-AMERICA ELEVEN 

By M, N, Beebe 

Twelve males. Costumes modern \ scenery unnecessary. Plays fifteen 
minutes. An up-to-date and popular entertainment for boys in one scene, 
sure to please both the boys and the audience. Characters : Football Boy, 
Baseball Boy, Tennis Boy, Office Boy, Messenger Boy, Country Boy, 
Chinese Boy, Jewish Boy, Irish Boy, Indian Boy, Negro Boy and Ti-ainer. 

Price, J J cents 

TAKING THE THIRD DEGREE 
IN THE GRANGE 

By A. C. Daniels 

Seventeen males. Costumes eccentric ; scenery unnecessary. Plays ten 
minutes. A burlesque initiation in one act, especially adapted for a Grange 
entertainment. Very simple, very clean and wholly lacking in hoi"se-play 
»nd acrobatics. Well suited for its purpose. 

Pricey 1$ cent^ 



New 'Plays 



THE MISHAPS OF MINERVA 

A Farce in Two Acts 
By Bertha Currier Porter 

Five males, eight females. Costumes, modern ; scene, an interior. Plays 
one and a half hours. An exceptionally bright and amusing little play of 
high class and recommended to all classes of amateur players. Full of ac- 
tion and laughs, but refined. Irish low comedy part. Strongly endorsed. 

Price, 25 cejits 

CHARACTERS 

Mortimer J. Sterling, an easy-^oing business man. 

Victor Brown, a young doctor, friend of the family and especially 

of Minerva. 
Harry Stevenson, a club reporter, attentive to Clara. 
Barnes, the butler. 

Mike Shannon, a very new policeman. 
Mrs. Lydia Sterling, domestic and quiet. 
Minerva Sterling, willing to oblige. 
Clara Sterling, her younger sister. 
Molly, the maid. 

Belle Brantley, reporter for " The Screamer** 
Mrs. Wright, a club woman. 
Miss Palmer, a philanthropic worker. 
Mrs. Jennie Van Deusen Spuyker, a Personage. 
Members of the reception committee. 

A CHANGE OF HEART 

A Comedy in Two Acts 

By Albert H. Good 

Five males, six females. Costumes, modern ; scene, a single interior. 

Plays an hour and a half. An easy, pretty and effective play, suited for 

schools or young people. Scenery not absolutely necessary. Can be 

tecommended. Price, 2^ cents 

MAKING A SISTER 

A Mock Initiation for Ladies in One Act 
By Epes Winthrop Sargent 

Ten female characters. Costumes, modern ; scenery unimportant. Plays 
from forty minutes to an hour. A very bright and lively entertainment, 
especially strong in its dialogue. Plenty of ludicrous incident and char- 
acteristic action, but quite without the element of " rough and tumble " 
that w^ould be so objectionable in an entertainment for ladies. The candi- 
date is placed in positions that are rather undignified but is neither 
mussed nor mauled. Strongly recommended. 

Fric€t 2j cents 



as 



I 



Incite. 50 Centjse €at| 



THF MAfilSTRATP ^^^c^ ^ Three Acts. Twelre male*, four 
IUI< iUAUl.^ll\AIi( fejnales. Costumes, modem; scenery, »!! 

interior. Plays two hours and ft half. 

THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITF ^:;ZZJ:Z^. 

Costumes, modem ; scenery, all Interiors Plr ys a tull evening. 

THF PfiflFI Ifi ATF ^^^ ^ Four Acts oeven males, five females. 
lULf rnurMUAlL« ggQ^ery, three interiors, rather elaborate; 
costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 

TKF ^rHftOI MICTPF^^ Farce in Three Acts. Nine males, seven 
lUC ^i^UUUUyii^ll^E^^ females. Costumes, modern; scenery, 
three interiors. Plays a full evening. 

THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY ^^TCare^t^s/r 

tumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. 

SWFFT T A VFNDFR comedy in Three Acts. Seven males, four 
jn£;Li L,l\^l,aVLA feniales. Scene, a single interior; costumes, 

modern. Plays a full evening. 

THF TIMFS Comedy In Four Acts. Six males, seven females. 
lliC lliUIiJ gcene^g, single interior; costumes, modem. Plays a 
full evening. 

THF WFA¥FR ^FY Comedy in Three Acts. Eight males, eight 
lUC TTCAHKn JI^A fe^jales. Costumes, modem ; scenery, two 
Interiors. Plays a full evening. 

A WIFE VITHODT A SMILE ^* :;,^.'^..^:.: 

modem ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full ereniAg. 



price by 

Company 

One copy del. to Cat. Div. ^ Massachusetts 



f^B 20 !s?2 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




017 400 959 4 I 

Ci)e l^illiam Waum yuouwii 
of Paps 



AS YOII I IITF IT Comedy in Five Acts. Thirteen males, four 
AJ IVU I^IILl^ 11 females. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, va- 
ried. Plays a full evening. 

CAMIT T F I^'*^^2i in Five Acts. Nine males, five females. Cos- 
ViilTllLfl^l^ tumes, modern ; scenery, varied. Plays a full evening. 

INflOM AR I*^*y ^° Five Acts. Thirteen males, three females. 
(inuviUillV Scenery varied ; costumes, Greek. Plays a full evening, 

MAPY STUART Tragedy in rive Acts. Thirteen males, four fe- 
,iuiil\l k^lUiini males, and supernumeraries. Costumes, of the 
jperiod , scenery, varied and elaborate. Plays a full evening. 

IOG lllEiKvllAMi Ur YcMltb males, three females! Costumes, 
ipicturesque ; scenery varied. Plays a full evening. 

ff tCHFI IFII -^^y ^° ^^^^ Acts. Fifteen males, two females. Scen- 
J\lVllL<L«lL<v ery elaborate ; costumes of the period. Plays a full 
evening. 

THF RIVAT S comedy in Five Acts. Nine males, five females. 
1 Illw Al T iiLtiJ Scenery varied ; costumes of the period. Plays a 
full evening. 

JUVi MUUli 10 tUMijlCK males, four females. Scenery va- 
ried ; costumes of the period. Plays a full evening. 

TWELFTH NICHT; OR, WHAT YOU WILL 'i^^A^JlL'. 

three females. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, varied. Plays a 
f uU evening. 



Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 

a^alter !^. TBafeer & Company 

No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 

• . J. PARKHILL A CO.. PRINTERS, BOSTON. U.S.A. 



